Paralel vs. Parallel — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 25, 2024
"Paralel" is an incorrect spelling, while "Parallel" refers to lines or things that are equidistant at all points.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Paralel or Parallel
How to spell Parallel?
Paralel
Incorrect Spelling
Parallel
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Envision a train track: two rails run parallel, just like the double "l" in "Parallel."
The second "a" in "Parallel" has two "l's" running beside it, like parallel tracks.
"Parallel" contains the word "all," emphasizing its comprehensive nature.
Think of the two "L" letters in the middle as two parallel sticks.
Remember "Parallel" has two "L" pairs, much like two parallel lines.
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How Do You Spell Parallel Correctly?
Incorrect: Their experiences are somewhat paralel to each other.
Correct: Their experiences are somewhat parallel to each other.
Incorrect: Running paralel to the river, the road stretches for miles.
Correct: Running parallel to the river, the road stretches for miles.
Incorrect: She set the chairs in a paralel formation to the stage.
Correct: She set the chairs in a parallel formation to the stage.
Incorrect: The lines are drawn in a paralel manner.
Correct: The lines are drawn in a parallel manner.
Incorrect: The two theories run in paralel but never converge.
Correct: The two theories run in parallel but never converge.
Parallel Definitions
In computing, Parallel processing involves executing multiple tasks simultaneously.
Modern CPUs use parallel processing to enhance performance.
Parallel can describe a similar or analogous situation or course.
Her journey to success ran parallel to his.
In grammar, Parallel structure involves using consistent patterns in a series.
She loves hiking, biking, and swimming is an example of parallel structure.
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 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
Parallel lines are equidistant at every point and never meet.
Train tracks are an example of parallel lines.
Parallel as a verb means to be similar or correspond to.
His actions parallel the company's values.
Parallel Meaning in a Sentence
The railroad tracks run parallel to the highway for several miles.
The two rivers flow parallel to each other before merging downstream.
Their career paths were remarkably parallel, starting in the same company and eventually founding their own.
Parallel processing allows computers to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
He drew two parallel lines to demonstrate the concept of infinity.
The parallel structure of the poem added a rhythmic quality to its verses.
Parallel evolution demonstrates how different species can develop similar traits independently.
The streets in the old part of the city run parallel, creating a grid pattern.
Her thoughts ran parallel to his, leading to the same conclusion about the project.
The twin studies showed parallel development despite the subjects being raised in different environments.
The two studies are parallel in their methodology but differ in their sample populations.
The narrative runs in parallel, telling two stories that complement each other.
He aligned the panels parallel to each other for the installation.
Their friendship and career trajectories have moved in parallel since college.
In mathematics, parallel lines never meet, no matter how far they extend.
The electrician laid the cables in parallel to ensure the system worked efficiently.
The bridge's cables are arranged in parallel arcs, creating a striking visual effect.
In the debate, they presented parallel arguments, each supporting the same conclusion from different angles.
The parallel sessions at the conference allowed attendees to choose topics that interested them most.
Parallel parking requires precise control and awareness of the car's dimensions.
Their parallel achievements in the field of science earned them a joint award.
The novel explores the parallel lives of two characters from different centuries.
The designer used parallel lines in her artwork to convey a sense of order and harmony.
The rows of trees planted parallel to the road enhance its scenic beauty.
In electronics, components connected in parallel have different paths for current flow.
Parallel Idioms & Phrases
Parallel thinking
A process where individuals think about a problem in a similar way.
The team's parallel thinking led to a breakthrough in the project.
Parallel universe
A hypothetical, separate world that exists alongside our own.
Sometimes I feel like we're living in parallel universes, with completely different realities.
Parallel path
A course of action or line of thought running alongside another.
While pursuing his degree, he also followed a parallel path of self-education.
Draw a parallel
To indicate a similarity between two different things.
The historian drew a parallel between ancient Rome and modern-day democracies.
In parallel
Concurrently; at the same time.
The two processes run in parallel to save time.
Go down parallel roads
To pursue similar objectives in different ways.
We decided to go down parallel roads to find what works best for each of us.
Without parallel
Unmatched or unequaled; unique in some way.
Her achievements in the field are without parallel.
Parallel lines meet at infinity
Used metaphorically to suggest that seemingly unrelated paths or ideas may eventually converge.
They started off with different beliefs, but as the saying goes, parallel lines meet at infinity.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Parallel?
The verb form is also "parallel," as in "to parallel."
What is the root word of Parallel?
The root comes from the Latin word "parallēlus."
Which vowel is used before Parallel?
The vowel that can precede "Parallel" depends on the context, but no specific vowel is inherently paired with it.
Why is it called Parallel?
It is called Parallel from the Latin "parallēlus," meaning "alongside" or "in comparison."
What is the pronunciation of Parallel?
Parallel is pronounced as "PARR-uh-lel."
Is Parallel a noun or adjective?
Parallel can be both a noun and an adjective.
Which preposition is used with Parallel?
"To" is often used, as in "parallel to."
Which article is used with Parallel?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, e.g., "a parallel universe" or "the parallel lines."
Is Parallel a negative or positive word?
Parallel is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
What is the plural form of Parallel?
The plural form is "Parallels."
Which conjunction is used with Parallel?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on sentence structure.
Is the Parallel term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically, especially in literature or discussions of analogous situations.
How many syllables are in Parallel?
Parallel has three syllables.
How do we divide Parallel into syllables?
Parallel can be divided as Par-al-lel.
What is the third form of Parallel?
As a verb, the third form is "paralleled."
What is the singular form of Parallel?
The singular form is Parallel.
What is a stressed syllable in Parallel?
The first syllable, "Par," is stressed.
Which determiner is used with Parallel?
Determiners like "the," "this," "that," "a," and "an" can be used with Parallel.
What is the first form of Parallel?
As a verb, the first form is "parallel."
What is the second form of Parallel?
As a verb, the second form is "paralleled."
Is Parallel an adverb?
No, Parallel is not an adverb.
Is Parallel an abstract noun?
It can be, especially when referring to an abstract concept or comparison.
Is the word Parallel imperative?
No, Parallel is not an imperative verb.
What is the opposite of Parallel?
The opposite can be "perpendicular."
How is Parallel used in a sentence?
Example: The two rivers run parallel to each other through the valley.
Is Parallel a collective noun?
No, Parallel is not a collective noun.
Is Parallel a vowel or consonant?
Parallel is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is Parallel a countable noun?
Yes, you can have one or many parallels.
What part of speech is Parallel?
Parallel can be a noun, adjective, or verb.
What is another term for Parallel?
Another term could be "equivalent" or "analogous."
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Written 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.
