noun

parallax

PA-ruh-laks

Quiz me More like this

Parallax (noun) means the apparent change in the position of an object when it is viewed from two different places. Example: “Close one eye, then the other, and you'll see parallax shift the pencil against the background.”

noun

The apparent change in the position of an object when it is viewed from two different places.

"Close one eye, then the other, and you'll see parallax shift the pencil against the background."

"The bridge on some cameras causes parallax between what the viewfinder shows and what the lens captures."

technical In astronomy, the angle used to work out how far away a star or other object is by observing it from two points.

"Astronomers measure a star's parallax from opposite sides of the Earth's orbit to calculate its distance."

"The smaller a star's parallax angle, the farther away it is."

How to use parallax

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishParallax is the apparent shift in an object's position caused by looking at it from a different spot.

When to use it

Outside astronomy and photography, the word is mostly used in fairly technical or precise contexts.

Memory tip

Remember it's the viewer's position that changes, not the object itself.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

parallax error stellar parallax parallax angle parallax effect

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like parallax.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “parallax” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Close one eye, then the other, and you'll see _____ shift the pencil against the background.

Etymology

Parallax came into English through Middle French parallaxe. It traces back to the Ancient Greek word for alteration, itself built from a verb meaning to cause something to alternate, which in turn comes from a root meaning other.

Origin: Middle French

Frequently asked questions

What does parallax mean in simple terms?

It's the way an object seems to move against its background when you look at it from a different position, even though the object itself hasn't moved.

How do astronomers use parallax to measure distance?

They observe a star from two points, usually opposite sides of the Earth's orbit, and measure the tiny angle the star appears to shift by. That angle lets them calculate how far away the star is.

Is parallax the same as depth perception?

They're related. Depth perception in humans relies partly on parallax, since each eye sees a slightly different view of the same object.

What is the meaning of parallax?

"parallax" (noun) means the apparent change in the position of an object when it is viewed from two different places.