Parallel Definition and Meaning
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Published on August 30, 2025
Parallel refers to lines or planes that are side by side and maintain the same distance across their entire length, never meeting. e.g., The two roads run parallel to each other for several miles.
Table of Contents
Parallel Definitions
Similar or analogous in a way that is clear or obvious.
There are many parallels between the two companies' growth strategies.
Occurring at the same time or in a concurrent manner.
The two experiments were conducted in parallel to ensure accuracy.
A relationship or similarity that is comparable.
Her career has many parallels with her mentor’s.
Being an equal distance apart everywhere
Dancers in two parallel rows. See Usage Note at absolute.
Of, relating to, or designating two or more straight coplanar lines that do not intersect.
Of, relating to, or designating two or more planes that do not intersect.
Of, relating to, or designating a line and a plane that do not intersect.
Of, relating to, or designating curves or surfaces everywhere equidistant.
Having comparable parts, analogous aspects, or readily recognized similarities
The parallel lives of two contemporaries.
Having the same tendency or direction
Parallel motives and aims.
(Grammar) Having identical or equivalent syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses or phrases.
Moving in the same direction at a fixed interval
Parallel motion.
Parallel fifths.
Having the same tonic. Used of scales and keys
C minor is the parallel minor scale of C major.
(Electronics) Denoting a circuit or part of a circuit connected in parallel.
Of or relating to the simultaneous transmission of all the bits of a byte over separate wires
A parallel port.
A parallel interface.
Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations
Parallel processing.
In a parallel relationship or manner
A road and a railway that run parallel.
(Mathematics) One of a set of parallel geometric figures, such as lines or planes.
One that closely resembles or is analogous to another
A unique event, without parallel in history.
A comparison indicating likeness; an analogy.
The condition of being parallel; near similarity or exact agreement in particulars; parallelism.
Any of the imaginary lines representing degrees of latitude that encircle the earth parallel to the plane of the equator.
(Printing) A sign indicating material referred to in a note or reference.
(Electronics) An arrangement of components in a circuit that splits the current into two or more paths. Used chiefly in the phrase in parallel.
To make or place parallel to something else
Paralleled the ditch to the highway.
To be or extend parallel to
A trail that parallels the crater rim.
To be similar or analogous to
Claimed that fetal development parallels the evolution of the species.
To be or provide an equal for; match.
To show to be analogous; compare or liken
Critics who have paralleled the novel's plot to an ancient myth.
Equally distant from one another at all points.
The horizontal lines on my notebook paper are parallel.
Having the same overall direction; the comparison is indicated with "to".
The two railway lines are parallel.
Either not intersecting, or coinciding.
(computing) Involving the processing of multiple tasks at the same time.
A parallel algorithm
With a parallel relationship.
The road runs parallel to the canal.
One of a set of parallel lines.
Direction conformable to that of another line.
A line of latitude.
The 31st parallel passes through the center of my town.
An arrangement of electrical components such that a current flows along two or more paths; see in parallel.
Something identical or similar in essential respects.
A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity.
Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope
(military) One of a series of long trenches constructed before a besieged fortress, by the besieging force, as a cover for troops supporting the attacking batteries. They are roughly parallel to the line of outer defenses of the fortress.
(printing) A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines, used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page.
To construct or place something parallel to something else.
Of a path etc: To be parallel to something else.
Of a process etc: To be analogous to something else.
To compare or liken something to something else.
To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, etc.
To equal; to match; to correspond to.
To produce or adduce as a parallel.
Extended in the same direction, and in all parts equally distant; as, parallel lines; parallel planes.
Revolutions . . . parallel to the equinoctial.
Having the same direction or tendency; running side by side; being in accordance (with); tending to the same result; - used with to and with.
When honor runs parallel with the laws of God and our country, it can not be too much cherished.
Continuing a resemblance through many particulars; applicable in all essential parts; like; similar; as, a parallel case; a parallel passage.
A line which, throughout its whole extent, is equidistant from another line; a parallel line, a parallel plane, etc.
Who made the spider parallels design,Sure as De Moivre, without rule or line ?
Direction conformable to that of another line,
Lines that from their parallel decline.
Conformity continued through many particulars or in all essential points; resemblance; similarity.
Twixt earthly females and the moonAll parallels exactly run.
A comparison made; elaborate tracing of similarity; as, Johnson's parallel between Dryden and Pope.
Anything equal to, or resembling, another in all essential particulars; a counterpart.
None but thyself can be thy parallel.
One of the imaginary circles on the surface of the earth, parallel to the equator, marking the latitude; also, the corresponding line on a globe or map; as, the counry was divided into North and South at the 38th parallel.
One of a series of long trenches constructed before a besieged fortress, by the besieging force, as a cover for troops supporting the attacking batteries. They are roughly parallel to the line of outer defenses of the fortress.
A character consisting of two parallel vertical lines (thus, ) used in the text to direct attention to a similarly marked note in the margin or at the foot of a page.
That arrangement of an electrical system in which all positive poles, electrodes, terminals, etc., are joined to one conductor, and all negative poles, etc., to another conductor; - called also multiple. Opposed to series.
To place or set so as to be parallel; to place so as to be parallel to, or to conform in direction with, something else.
The needle . . . doth parallel and place itself upon the true meridian.
Fig.: To make to conform to something else in character, motive, aim, or the like.
His life is paralleledEven with the stroke and line of his great justice.
To equal; to match; to correspond to.
To produce or adduce as a parallel.
My young remembrance can not parallelA fellow to it.
To be parallel; to correspond; to be like.
Something having the property of being analogous to something else
An imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
Be parallel to;
Their roles are paralleled by ours
Make or place parallel to something;
They paralleled the ditch to the highway
Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
Being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting;
Parallel lines never converge
Concentric circles are parallel
Dancers in two parallel rows
The axes are perpendicular to each other
Of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations;
Parallel processing
Extending in the same direction, equidistant at all points, and never converging or diverging.
The railroad tracks are parallel to the highway.
Pertaining to electrical components or circuits arranged so that each carries the same voltage.
The batteries are connected in parallel to increase capacity.
Involving comparison or similarity.
He drew a parallel between the human brain and a computer.
Geometry: lines or surfaces that do not meet.
The geometry theorem stated that the two lines are parallel.
Computing: processes or calculations that are carried out simultaneously.
Parallel processing is essential for complex simulations.
Literary or rhetorical: a repetition of a grammatical structure or an arrangement of words.
The author used parallel structure for emphasis in her speech.
Navigation: relating to latitude lines, which circle the Earth in an east-west direction.
The ship sailed along the 45th parallel north.
Parallel Snonyms
Corresponding
Similar in character, form, or function.
They have jobs in corresponding fields of expertise.
Concurrent
Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
There were several concurrent meetings in the office.
Matched
Having the same or similar qualities or characteristics.
The matched set of towels was perfect for the guest bathroom.
Comparable
Able to be likened to another; similar.
His achievements are comparable to those of a seasoned professional.
Synchronous
Occurring at the same time or rate.
The clocks were set to be synchronous.
Collateral
Parallel or side by side; additional but subordinate; secondary.
Collateral branches of the family tree often go unnoticed.
Equivalent
Equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
The foreign degree was considered equivalent to a local qualification.
Aligned
Placed or arranged in a straight line.
Ensure the text is aligned with the margin.
Similar
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical.
Their policies are similar but not identical.
Analogous
Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared.
The structure of an atom is analogous to the solar system.
Parallel Idioms & Phrases
Draw a parallel
To indicate a way in which two things are similar.
The speaker drew a parallel between historical events and current issues.
Parallel course
A direction or approach that is similar to another but independent.
The two countries are on a parallel course in their development.
Parallel universe
A hypothetical, separate world that exists alongside our own.
The concept of a parallel universe has fascinated many scientists and writers.
Without parallel
Having no equivalent; unmatched.
His record is without parallel in the sport.
Parallel lives
Lives that are lived similarly but separately, without intersecting.
The twins led parallel lives after moving to different countries.
Parallel session
Concurrent sessions within a conference, allowing participants to choose between topics.
The conference featured parallel sessions on marketing and finance.
Parallel lines
Lines that are always the same distance apart and do not meet.
The artist used parallel lines to create perspective in his drawing.
Parallel market
An unofficial market where goods or currencies are traded at prices governed by supply and demand, outside of official channels.
Foreign currencies are often more expensive in the parallel market.
Parallel processing
The ability of a computer to execute multiple operations or tasks simultaneously.
Modern computers use parallel processing to handle complex tasks efficiently.
Parallel import
Goods imported into a country without permission from the intellectual property owner.
Parallel imports can sometimes undercut local prices.
Keep parallel
To maintain a consistent course alongside something else.
The mentor helped him keep parallel to his initial goals.
In parallel
Alongside each other; simultaneously.
The projects were developed in parallel to save time.
Parallel path
Following the same direction or method as something else.
The two companies took parallel paths in their tech development.
Parallel track
A path or procedure that proceeds in tandem with another.
They kept the negotiations on a parallel track to the public discussions.
Parallel project
A project run alongside another project with related objectives.
They launched a parallel project to enhance the main study.
Set something in parallel
To arrange or position side by side.
The manager set the new procedures in parallel with the old ones for comparison.
Move in parallel
To progress in a similar direction at the same time.
The two reforms moved in parallel, supporting each other.
Run parallel
To occur at the same time as something else, without intersecting.
His music career ran parallel to his acting career.
Parallel efforts
Efforts undertaken simultaneously towards a common goal.
The team made parallel efforts to finish the project on time.
Parallel growth
Development at the same rate or in a similar manner.
Parallel growth in both sectors was evident this quarter.
Parallel Example Sentences
The two investigations ran in parallel, sharing information.
They worked in parallel to finish the job faster.
The parallel lines on the paper helped guide my writing.
He drew several parallels between the book and his own life.
Parallel circuits are commonly used in home wiring.
The streets are parallel, which makes the neighborhood easy to navigate.
Their experiences are almost parallel despite their different backgrounds.
This approach will create a parallel pathway for data analysis.
The parallel development of the products will help meet the launch date.
They maintained a parallel stance on many political issues.
His career in science and art progressed in parallel.
She illustrated her point using a parallel from nature.
The river runs parallel to the border for several miles.
The parallel session at the conference attracted a large audience.
Parallel imports can complicate the market dynamics.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called parallel?
The term "parallel" comes from the Greek 'parallelos', meaning 'alongside one another', reflecting how parallel lines run next to each other without meeting.
How do we divide parallel into syllables?
Parallel is divided as: par-al-lel.
How is parallel used in a sentence?
Parallel can describe lines that do not meet, simultaneous processes, or similar situations.
What is a stressed syllable in parallel?
The stressed syllable in parallel is 'par'.
What is the pronunciation of parallel?
Parallel is pronounced as /ˈpær.ə.lɛl/.
What is the root word of parallel?
The root of parallel is from the Greek word 'parallelos'.
How many syllables are in parallel?
Parallel has three syllables.
Is parallel an adverb?
No, parallel is not an adverb.
What is the verb form of parallel?
Parallel is primarily an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb, meaning to be similar or equivalent to.
What is another term for parallel?
Another term for parallel could be equivalent or comparable.
What is the singular form of parallel?
The singular form is parallel.
Is parallel a negative or positive word?
Parallel is neutral; context determines its connotation.
Is the word parallel imperative?
As a verb, parallel can be used in the imperative form, instructing someone to make things similar or equivalent.
What part of speech is parallel?
Parallel is an adjective, noun, and verb.
Is parallel a collective noun?
No, parallel is not a collective noun.
What is the plural form of parallel?
The plural form is parallels.
Is parallel a noun or adjective?
Parallel is both a noun and an adjective.
Is parallel a vowel or consonant?
The word parallel starts with a consonant.
Is the parallel term a metaphor?
Yes, parallel can be used metaphorically to describe similarities in situations or developments.
Is the word parallel Gerund?
Yes, paralleling can be used as a gerund.
Which determiner is used with parallel?
Determiners such as "a," "the," or "this" can be used with parallel, depending on the context.
Which conjunction is used with parallel?
Conjunctions like "and" can be used (e.g., "parallel and intersecting lines").
What is the opposite of parallel?
The opposite of parallel could be perpendicular, intersecting, or diverging.
Is parallel an abstract noun?
No, parallel as a noun refers to concrete geometrical concepts.
Is the word “parallel” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As a verb, parallel can have a direct object, e.g., "This example parallels that one."
Is parallel a countable noun?
Yes, as a noun, parallel is countable.
Which vowel is used before parallel?
There is no specific vowel used consistently before parallel; it depends on the sentence.
Which preposition is used with parallel?
Prepositions like "to" and "with" are commonly used with parallel (e.g., "parallel to the road").
Which article is used with parallel?
The definite article "the" or the indefinite "a" can be used, depending on whether it refers to a specific instance or a general concept.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
