parallelize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (especially computing), formal academic
Quick answer
What does “parallelize” mean?
To make something happen or operate at the same time as something else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something happen or operate at the same time as something else; to divide a task into parts that can be executed simultaneously.
In computing, to adapt a program or process to run multiple parts concurrently, typically on multiple processors, to increase speed or efficiency. More generally, to organize elements so they correspond to or run alongside each other without interaction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK often prefers 'parallelise' (though 'parallelize' is common in technical contexts). US exclusively uses 'parallelize'. The meaning and usage are identical.
Connotations
Strongly associated with computer science, high-performance computing, and software engineering in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Its use is almost entirely confined to technical computing, data science, and engineering literature.
Grammar
How to Use “parallelize” in a Sentence
parallelize somethingsomething parallelizesbe parallelizedparallelize something across/over somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallelize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The development team decided to parallelise the data ingestion pipeline.
- Not all algorithms can be efficiently parallelised.
American English
- The key to performance is to parallelize the image rendering code.
- We parallelized the analysis across multiple cloud instances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in IT project discussions: 'We need to parallelize these data processing tasks to meet the deadline.'
Academic
Common in computer science, engineering, and computational research papers: 'The simulation was parallelized across 128 nodes.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers to making software or hardware operations concurrent: 'The new library helps you easily parallelize loops.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallelize”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallelize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallelize”
- Using 'parallelize' to mean 'compare' or 'make similar'.
- Incorrect: 'Let's parallelize these two business strategies.' (Correct: 'Let's compare...')
- Misspelling as 'paralellize' or 'paralelize'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'run simultaneously' or 'coordinate' would be clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard technical verb, particularly in computing and engineering, meaning to make processes run concurrently.
'Parallelize' is a broader term for making any process concurrent, possibly across multiple machines. 'Multithreading' is a specific programming technique for parallelism within a single processor core.
It would sound very technical and likely confuse listeners unless you are specifically discussing computing or complex project management. Use 'run at the same time' or 'do simultaneously' instead.
Yes, following the -ise/-ize pattern, 'parallelise' is a common UK spelling. However, in technical computing literature, the -ize spelling ('parallelize') is frequently used even in the UK.
To make something happen or operate at the same time as something else.
Parallelize is usually technical (especially computing), formal academic in register.
Parallelize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlelaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəˌləˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PARALLEL lines running side by side without meeting. To PARALLELIZE is to make tasks run side by side simultaneously.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCURRENCY IS PARALLELISM (multiple paths/tracks running alongside each other towards a goal).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parallelize' MOST commonly used?