What is parallel? Pronunciation and usage in English

parallel means . Learn how to pronounce and use parallel through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of parallel

paralleladjective

/ˈparəlɛl/
Definition & pronunciation of parallel

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "parallel." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈpær.ə.lēl/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈpær: This is like "par" as in "park." The stress is on this first syllable. You want a fairly open sound – not too tight.

  2. ə: This is a schwa sound – the most common vowel sound in English. It's a short, unstressed "uh" sound. Think of it like the "a" in "about."

  3. lēl: This is pronounced like "le-el." It’s a quick, clipped "el" sound, almost like the "el" in "feel" but a bit shorter.

Putting it all together, it sounds like: "PAR-uh-lehl"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: Make sure you stress the first syllable ("par"). This is the key to making it sound right.
  • Schwa: Don't try to force a strong "uh" sound in the second syllable. It’s a very subtle, relaxed vowel.
  • Quick "el": The "el" is short and fast. Don’t drag it out.

Resources for hearing it:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation?
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Usage and examples with the word parallel in English

Let's break down how to use the word "parallel" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Lines & Shapes (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Running alongside each other, equally distant. Think of railroad tracks!
  • Examples:
    • "The two roads run parallel to each other." (Physical lines)
    • "The lines of the drawing are parallel." (Geometric shapes)
    • "The stripes on the shirt are parallel."

2. Similarities & Relationships (Figurative)

  • Meaning: Similar in nature, structure, or function; proceeding at the same rate or time. This is where it gets a bit more nuanced.
  • Examples:
    • "Parallel universes:** The theory suggests that there might be other universes existing alongside ours, similar but not identical." (Similar realities)
    • "Parallel play: A stage in child development where children play alongside each other but not with each other." (Similar activities)
    • "Parallel storylines: In a novel, this means two or more plots that move at the same pace and often intertwine." (Similar narratives)
    • "Parallel thinking: Considering different perspectives on a problem simultaneously." (Similar thought processes)

3. Processes & Activities (Similar Pace)

  • Meaning: Happening at the same time or rate; coordinated.
  • Examples:
    • "The training program is designed to teach parallel skills." (Developing skills simultaneously)
    • "The scientists are conducting parallel research projects." (Working on related projects concurrently)

4. (Less Common) Asymmetrical & Facing

  • Meaning: Running in the same direction but not directly on top of each other. Sometimes used to describe architecture.
  • Example: “The two wings of the building are parallel.”

Key Words & Phrases to Help You Understand the Context

  • Alongside: Often used with "parallel" to describe lines or objects. "The paths run alongside each other."
  • Same as: Highlights the similarity. "The two points are the same as."
  • Concurrent: Similar to “parallel,” often used in fields like mathematics and statistics to mean happening or existing at the same time.
  • In parallel: Used as a phrase to indicate simultaneous action. "We need to work on these tasks in parallel."

Tips for Using "Parallel" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The meaning of "parallel" changes based on whether you’re talking about lines, ideas, or processes.
  • Think about the relationship: What’s being compared? Is it a physical similarity, a structured resemblance, or a coordinated activity?

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "parallel"? (e.g., writing a story, explaining a concept, answering a question)

Synonyms for the word parallel

Practice with vocabulary parallel

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For many years, the two companies pursued ______ strategies, leading to intense competition in the same market segment.
  2. The findings of the new study seem to _______ with the preliminary research, reinforcing the initial hypotheses.
  3. Due to the budget cuts, several departments located _______ to each other have been merged to optimize space and resources.
  4. The consultant noted that the organization's current challenges are running _______ to a significant shift in consumer behavior, requiring a dual approach.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes two lines or paths that maintain an equal distance from each other and never intersect? A) Intersecting B) Perpendicular C) Parallel D) Oblique

  2. The historical period in question bears a strong _______ to current global political dynamics, offering valuable lessons. A) resemblance B) divergence C) parallel D) contrast

  3. Before launching the new marketing campaign, all regional offices must _______ their promotional materials to ensure brand consistency. A) disconnect B) synchronize C) differentiate D) separate

  4. The software development team is running two major projects _______: one focused on the new feature set and another on critical bug fixes. A) sequentially B) simultaneously C) in parallel D) consecutively

  5. The expert panel agreed that the two initially distinct research paths would eventually _______, leading to a unified theoretical framework. A) diverge B) intersect C) branch D) separate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The growth in renewable energy sources is happening at the same time as a decrease in fossil fuel consumption. (Rewrite using "parallel" or a related word form.)

  2. There are many similar instances of this phenomenon throughout history. (Rewrite using "parallel" or a related word form.)

  3. The two teams were working on the same tasks, but they were doing them at different times, so their efforts were not coordinated. (Rewrite without using "parallel".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For many years, the two companies pursued parallel strategies, leading to intense competition in the same market segment.
  2. The findings of the new study seem to align with the preliminary research, reinforcing the initial hypotheses.
  3. Due to the budget cuts, several departments located adjacent to each other have been merged to optimize space and resources.
  4. The consultant noted that the organization's current challenges are running parallel to a significant shift in consumer behavior, requiring a dual approach.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Parallel
  2. A) resemblance, C) parallel
  3. B) synchronize
  4. B) simultaneously, C) in parallel
  5. B) intersect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The growth in renewable energy sources is running parallel to a decrease in fossil fuel consumption.
  2. This phenomenon has many historical parallels.
  3. The two teams were working on the same tasks, but their efforts were not aligned due to different schedules.

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