parol
Low / ArchaicFormal / Archaic / Legal (historical)
Definition
Meaning
A spoken or verbal statement, especially as distinct from a written document.
In law, oral evidence or testimony; an oral declaration. More broadly, parole (now standard spelling).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is largely historical and is most often encountered in the fixed phrase 'parol evidence rule'. It is also an archaic variant spelling of 'parole'. In modern legal contexts, it refers to oral or verbal statements, often to distinguish them from written contract terms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used primarily in legal contexts in both varieties. No significant difference in meaning, but frequency is extremely low in both. The historical/archaic flavour is consistent.
Connotations
Technical, formal, historical. Often signals a specific legal doctrine.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general use. Almost exclusively found in legal texts, particularly discussing contract law and evidence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + parol (adj.)the + parol + of + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parol evidence rule (legal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Would only appear in a contract law dispute.
Academic
Found in historical texts, law journals, and studies of legal history.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. 'Parole' (release from prison) is a common confusion.
Technical
Core term in contract law, specifically in the 'parol evidence rule' which governs the admissibility of extrinsic evidence to interpret a written contract.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The judge ruled the evidence inadmissible as it was based on parol assurances.
- A parol contract can be difficult to enforce.
American English
- The parol evidence rule is a cornerstone of contract interpretation.
- They had only a parol understanding, not a signed document.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The agreement was parol, not written down. (rare/archaic)
- The lawyer cited the parol evidence rule to prevent the witness's testimony.
- Historically, many deals were made on a parol basis.
- The court's application of the parol evidence rule turned on whether the written contract was intended to be a complete integration of the parties' agreement.
- Medieval land grants were often conveyed by parol, later giving rise to disputes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PAROLE' which is spoken permission to leave prison; 'PAROL' relates to spoken (not written) words. Both share the 'spoken' core.
Conceptual Metaphor
The spoken word is less binding than the written word. (Parol evidence is generally excluded if a contract is written).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'parol' as in Russian 'пароль' (password).
- Do not confuse with modern English 'parole' (conditional release from prison).
- Its meaning is closer to 'устный' (oral) in legal contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling it as 'parole'.
- Using it in non-legal contexts.
- Mispronouncing it to rhyme with 'carol'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'parol' most likely to be encountered today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Parol' is an archaic/legal term for oral statements. 'Parole' is the conditional release of a prisoner. They are historically related (both from Old French 'parole' meaning 'word, speech') but have distinct modern meanings.
It is not recommended. It is an obscure, technical term. Using 'oral', 'verbal', or 'spoken' is almost always clearer and more appropriate.
A rule in contract law which states that if a written contract is intended to be the complete and final expression of the parties' agreement, then evidence of prior or contemporaneous oral agreements (parol evidence) cannot be used in court to contradict, vary, or add to the written terms.
In both UK and US English, it is pronounced like 'parole': puh-ROHL (/pəˈrəʊl/ in RP, /pəˈroʊl/ in GenAm).