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Parliament: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：national legislature (parliament)
parliament
/ˈpɑːləmənt/
n.
The most important place in a country where laws are discussed and made, usually by elected representatives.
national legislature
➕
/ˈnæʃənəl ˈlɛdʒɪsleɪtʃər/
n.
The primary institution in a country where elected representatives debate, discuss, and enact laws, serving as the core of democratic governance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'parlement', meaning 'speaking' or 'discussion', from 'parler' (to speak).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'parliament' where people 'parley' (talk) to make laws for the nation.
📖 Example
The young woman had a dream to parliament one day so she could help make better laws for her country.
The young woman aspired to become a member of parliament someday to participate in creating improved legislation for her nation.
🔗 Collocations
summon parliament – to officially convene the legislative body for a session
dissolve parliament – to formally end the current term of the legislature, often before an election
parliament member – an elected representative who serves in the national law-making assembly
🔄 Synonyms
legislature (n.) – a governmental body with the authority to make, amend, or repeal laws
congress (n.) – the national legislative assembly in some countries, such as the United States
assembly (n.) – a group of people gathered for deliberation or law-making, often in a political context
🚫 Antonyms
dictatorship (n.) – a form of government where power is concentrated in a single ruler without elected representation
🌱 Derivatives
parliamentary (adj.) – relating to or characteristic of a parliament, its procedures, or members
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Middle English, via Old French 'parlement' (a speaking, conference). Historically, it evolved to denote the supreme legislative body, notably in the UK, often called the 'Mother of Parliaments'.
Meaning 2：government building (parliament)
parliament
/ˈpɑːləmənt/
n.
The specific building where a parliament, especially the UK's, meets.
government building
➕
/ˈɡʌvərnmənt ˈbɪldɪŋ/
n.
The physical structure or edifice where a parliament convenes for its sessions, often an architecturally significant landmark, such as the UK Houses of Parliament.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Tourists love to take photos of the iconic clock tower next to the Parliament building in London.
Visitors enjoy capturing images of the famous clock tower adjacent to the legislative building in London.
🔗 Collocations
Parliament building – the architectural structure housing a national or regional legislative assembly
Houses of Parliament – the specific term for the UK parliament complex, including the Lords and Commons
parliament grounds – the surrounding area or premises of a parliament building, often open to the public
🔄 Synonyms
capitol (n.) – a building where a legislative body meets, particularly in the United States
legislature building (n.) – a structure designed to accommodate a law-making assembly and its functions
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