Reading Theme:
Parallel: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：side by side (parallel)
parallel
/ˈpær.ə.lel/
adj.
Describing lines, roads, etc. that are always the same distance apart and never touch, like train tracks.
side by side
➕
/saɪd baɪ saɪd/
adj.
Lines or surfaces that are always the same distance apart and will never meet.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'para-' (beside) + 'allelos' (one another), meaning 'beside one another'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'PARA-llel' lines like PARAllelogram sides or PARAchutes falling side-by-side.
📖 Example
When drawing the box, make sure the top and bottom lines are parallel to each other.
To create a proper rectangle, ensure the lines at the top and bottom run side by side without ever converging.
🔗 Collocations
parallel lines – lines that are equidistant and never intersect
parallel to – having the same direction and constant separation from something
run parallel – to extend in the same direction while maintaining a constant distance
🔄 Synonyms
aligned (adj.) – arranged in a straight line or correct relative position
equidistant (adj.) – at equal distances
side-by-side (adj.) – close together and facing the same direction
🚫 Antonyms
intersecting (adj.) – crossing or cutting through each other
diverging (adj.) – moving or extending in different directions from a common point
perpendicular (adj.) – at an angle of 90 degrees to a given line or surface
🌱 Derivatives
parallelism (n.) – the state of being parallel or corresponding
parallelize (v.) – to make things parallel or to arrange for simultaneous processing
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from the Greek word 'parallelos', it was adopted into Latin and then English. It has been a fundamental concept in geometry since Euclid's 'Elements', describing lines that never meet. Its figurative use for comparing similar situations emerged later.
Meaning 2：similar and simultaneous (parallel)
parallel
/ˈpær.ə.lel/
adj.
Used for events or situations that develop in the same way or at the same time, even though they are separate.
similar and simultaneous
➕
/ˈsɪm.ɪ.lər ænd ˈsaɪ.məl.teɪ.ni.əs/
adj.
Used to describe events, situations, or processes that are similar in development, nature, or time, but exist separately.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
His journey to becoming a successful artist has many parallels with the famous painter's early struggles.
The path he took to achieve success in art closely mirrors the initial challenges faced by the renowned painter.
🔗 Collocations
parallel development – two or more things evolving in a similar way at the same time
draw a parallel – to point out a similarity between two different things
parallel lives – lives that follow very similar courses or patterns
🔄 Synonyms
analogous (adj.) – comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared
corresponding (adj.) – having a similar relationship; matching
similar (adj.) – resembling without being identical
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser