parry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency - Highly specialized)Formal, Literary, Technical (Fencing/Martial Arts)
Quick answer
What does “parry” mean?
To ward off or deflect (a weapon, attack, or question), especially with a countermove.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To ward off or deflect (a weapon, attack, or question), especially with a countermove.
To skillfully avoid dealing with or answering something, such as a difficult question, criticism, or responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in British historical/literary contexts. In US media, slightly more frequent in sports commentary (e.g., boxing, fencing).
Connotations
UK: Often carries a connotation of gentlemanly or skillful evasion. US: May carry a more assertive, tactical connotation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both variants. Perhaps marginally higher in UK English due to historical fencing traditions and parliamentary reporting (e.g., 'parry a question').
Grammar
How to Use “parry” in a Sentence
[Subject] parries [Object: attack/question][Subject] parries [Object] with [Instrument: witty reply/quick movement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP skilfully parried the journalist's loaded question.
- The fencer's first move was to parry the opponent's lunge.
American English
- The boxer parried the jab with his forearm.
- She parried the insult with a disarming smile.
adverb
British English
- (Rare, typically not used). The blow was parried away.
American English
- (Rare, typically not used). He moved parry-like.
adjective
British English
- The parry motion in historical swordsmanship is complex.
- He executed a perfect parry action.
American English
- Her parry technique in kendo is excellent.
- A quick parry move saved him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO parried questions about the merger's delays.'
Academic
Rare, in historical or literary analysis of dialogue/debate.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly formal or theatrical.
Technical
Standard in fencing, martial arts, and historical combat terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parry”
- Using 'parry' for a simple avoidance without a countermove. (Incorrect: 'He parried the meeting.' Correct: 'He dodged/avoided the meeting.')
- Using it as a noun for the object used to parry. (Incorrect: 'He used his sword as a parry.' Correct: 'He used a parry with his sword.' or 'He made a parry with his sword.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and most literal use are in physical combat (fencing, boxing), it is very commonly used figuratively to mean deflecting a question, criticism, or verbal attack.
'Parry' involves actively blocking or deflecting the attack itself, often with a counter-move. 'Dodge' means moving your body out of the way to avoid being hit entirely. Figuratively, 'parry' suggests engaging with and redirecting the criticism, while 'dodge' suggests outright avoidance.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it refers to the defensive action itself, especially in fencing (e.g., 'a swift parry').
No. It is a low-frequency word (C2 level). You will encounter it in specific contexts like historical novels, sports commentary (fencing/martial arts), or formal writing about debate/politics. It is not used in everyday conversation.
To ward off or deflect (a weapon, attack, or question), especially with a countermove.
Parry is usually formal, literary, technical (fencing/martial arts) in register.
Parry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈperi/ or /ˈpæri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Parry and thrust”
- “A verbal parry”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PARRot deftly using its beak to PARRY away an object thrown at it.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS COMBAT (He parried her criticism with statistics). CONVERSATION IS FENCING (Their debate was a series of parries and thrusts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'parry' used most literally and correctly?