parallel
B2Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
Two or more lines, lines of thought, events, or processes that remain the same distance apart and never meet; occurring or existing at the same time or in a similar way.
A similarity or comparison between two things; an arrangement in computing where multiple operations are performed simultaneously.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, adjective, and verb, with subtle differences in meaning. As an adjective, it often indicates similarity without direct interaction. As a verb, it implies comparing or running alongside.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Minor differences in collocational frequency, especially in technical contexts like 'parallel processing' (slightly more common in US tech discourse).
Connotations
Broadly similar. In British English, the phrase 'to draw a parallel' is slightly more literary.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater prevalence in computing/tech jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
parallel between A and B (noun)parallel to/with (adj.)to parallel something (verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parallel lines never meet”
- “in parallel”
- “without parallel (meaning 'unmatched')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for comparing market trends or strategies: 'The CEO drew a parallel between our current challenge and the 2015 market shift.'
Academic
Used in comparisons, logic, geometry, and computing: 'The study found a parallel development in both languages.'
Everyday
Describing similarities or physical alignment: 'Our careers have followed a parallel path.' 'Park the car parallel to the kerb.'
Technical
Primarily in computing (parallel computing, parallel threads) and geometry.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Her research parallels the findings of the Oxford team.
- No road parallels the motorway for speed.
- Their profits paralleled the growth of the sector.
American English
- His career parallels the rise of the tech industry in Silicon Valley.
- The new highway parallels the old Route 66 for miles.
- Sales figures paralleled the marketing campaign's timeline.
adverb
British English
- The two teams worked parallel for months before merging.
- The pipes run parallel to each other.
American English
- The trails hike parallel along the ridge.
- The software processes data parallel, increasing efficiency.
adjective
British English
- The two investigations are running on parallel tracks.
- They took parallel routes through the Highlands.
- He managed a parallel career as a musician.
American English
- The street is parallel to Main Street.
- They held parallel discussions on climate policy.
- She pursued a parallel interest in graphic design.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Draw two parallel lines with your ruler.
- The railway tracks are parallel.
- There are many parallels between his life and mine.
- Please park the car parallel to the pavement.
- The historian drew a fascinating parallel between the two empires.
- The development of the two technologies occurred in parallel.
- The committee decided to run the two enquiries in parallel to save time.
- Her findings strikingly parallel those of the seminal 1998 study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARALLEL: Picture two 'LL's in the middle of the word running alongside each other, never touching, just like parallel lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMILARITY IS ALIGNMENT / TIME IS SPACE (e.g., 'parallel lives', 'events running in parallel').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'параллельный' for figurative 'simultaneous' when no similarity is implied. In Russian, 'параллельно' can mean 'simultaneously and independently'. In English, 'parallel' strongly implies a *similar* course or nature.
- Do not directly translate 'провести параллель' as 'conduct a parallel'. Use 'draw a parallel'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'paralell', 'parrallel'. Remember: paraLLeL has two 'l's in the middle and one at the end.
- Incorrect preposition: 'parallel with/with' (adj.) is fine; 'parallel between' is for the noun. Avoid 'parallel to' for the verb.
- Using as a synonym for 'identical' instead of 'similar in development or nature'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'parallel' used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common error is spelling. Remember it has a double 'l' in the middle and a single 'l' at the end: paraLLeL.
No, not exactly. 'Parallel' implies similarity in course, nature, or development, but not sameness. It suggests things are analogous or comparable, running alongside each other without merging.
Both 'in parallel with' and 'in parallel to' are used and generally accepted, though 'in parallel with' is often considered more standard, especially when describing concurrent, similar processes.
It is an idiom meaning 'unequalled', 'having no match or equal'. For example: 'Her generosity is without parallel in this community.'
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