adj Common

parallel

PA-ruh-lehl

Parallel (adj) means running alongside something else, always the same distance apart, never meeting. Example: “The two railway tracks run parallel to each other.”

adj

Running alongside something else, always the same distance apart, never meeting.

"The two railway tracks run parallel to each other."

Similar or comparable in nature; happening at the same time.

"The two countries followed parallel paths of economic reform."

noun

A similarity or comparison between two things.

"Historians draw a parallel between the two wars."

"There's an obvious parallel between his story and mine."

verb

To be similar to or match something else.

"Her career parallels her mother's in many ways."

How to use parallel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRunning side by side without meeting (literally), or closely similar/matching (figuratively).

Common pairings

draw a parallel run parallel to in parallel parallel lines

Word forms

more parallel comparative, paralleled past tense, parallelled[UK nonstandard] past tense, parallels plural, parallels singular, most parallel superlative

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The two railway tracks run _____ to each other.

Etymology

From Latin parallelus, from Greek parallelos ("beside one another").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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analogous corresponding matching equivalent concurrent side by side

Antonyms

antiparallel perpendicular skew

Related words

same together similar throw equal equivalent superior identical

Frequently asked questions

What does “parallel” mean?

The word “parallel” means running alongside something else, always the same distance apart, never meeting. In plain terms, running side by side without meeting (literally), or closely similar/matching (figuratively).

How do you pronounce “parallel”?

“Parallel” is pronounced PA-ruh-lehl (/ˈpæ.ɹəˌlɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “parallel” in a sentence?

Here is “parallel” used in a sentence: “The two railway tracks run parallel to each other.”

What is the opposite of “parallel”?

The opposite of “parallel” — its antonyms — are antiparallel, perpendicular and skew.

What part of speech is “parallel”?

Depending on how it is used, “parallel” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “parallel” come from?

The word “parallel” comes from Latin. From Latin parallelus, from Greek parallelos ("beside one another").

Is “parallel” a common word?

“Parallel” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “parallel” have?

“Parallel” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: running alongside something else, always the same distance apart, never meeting.

What is the difference between parallel and perpendicular lines?

Parallel lines run alongside each other, always the same distance apart, and never meet. Perpendicular lines, by contrast, cross each other and meet at a right angle.

Can parallel mean similar rather than geometric?

Yes. Besides the geometric sense of lines the same distance apart, parallel can mean similar or comparable in nature, or happening at the same time. For example, two events may follow parallel paths without being lines at all.

How do you spell the different forms of parallel?

The base word keeps one r and a double l: parallel. Unusually for English verbs, the common forms are paralleled and paralleling, without doubling the final l.

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