parsing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “parsing” mean?
The process of analysing a sentence or string of words into its grammatical components or logical structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of analysing a sentence or string of words into its grammatical components or logical structure.
More broadly, analysing any structured data (e.g., computer code, natural language, financial data) into its constituent parts to understand its meaning or allow further processing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains -ing form in both.
Connotations
Primarily technical/academic in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American computing contexts due to industry prevalence, but equally standard in British technical English.
Grammar
How to Use “parsing” in a Sentence
[Subject] is parsing [Object][Subject] involves parsing [Object]The parsing of [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parsing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The linguist is parsing the sentence to identify its clauses.
- The new software parses the data more efficiently.
American English
- The compiler needs to parse the code before execution.
- She spent the afternoon parsing the contract's legalese.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The parsing algorithm is highly optimised.
- They encountered a parsing difficulty with the ambiguous phrase.
American English
- A robust parsing library is essential for the project.
- The system threw a parsing error due to malformed input.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might refer to analysing complex reports or data streams.
Academic
Common in linguistics, computer science, and cognitive science papers.
Everyday
Uncommon; used metaphorically, e.g., 'I'm still parsing what he said.'
Technical
The primary domain: fundamental concept in compiler design, NLP, and data processing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parsing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parsing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parsing”
- Confusing 'parsing' (analysis) with 'passing' (moving by). Misspelling as 'percing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origin is in grammar, it's now widely used in computing to mean analysing any structured data (code, markup, etc.) into its parts.
A parser is a tool or algorithm that performs parsing. It takes input (like code or text) and outputs a structured representation (like a syntax tree).
'Parsing' is a specific type of analysis focused on breaking down structure according to a formal set of rules (like grammar or syntax). 'Analysing' is a broader, more general term.
Yes, especially in everyday speech. For example, 'He was silently parsing her every word' means he was carefully analysing her speech.
The process of analysing a sentence or string of words into its grammatical components or logical structure.
Parsing is usually formal, technical in register.
Parsing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.zɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːr.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parse it out (colloquial extension meaning to figure something out carefully)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PARt of a SENTENCE being identified; PARSing.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS TAKING APART (a structure).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parsing' most precisely and frequently used?