Definition

Noun: 1. The state or condition of being parallel; correspondence or similarity in form, function, or development between two or more things. This is the core meaning, indicating a close and often analogous relationship. 2. (Grammar & Rhetoric) The use of successive verbal constructions in poetry or prose that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, or meaning. This creates balance, rhythm, and emphasis.

Usage and Examples

• General Meaning (Correspondence/Similarity):
  • There is a clear parallelism between the two historical events. (This shows a similarity in their patterns or outcomes.)
  • The study examines the parallelism in the economic development of the two nations. (This refers to their similar paths of development.)
• Grammatical/Rhetorical Meaning:
  • The famous line "Easy come, easy go" uses parallelism. (The phrases "easy come" and "easy go" share the same grammatical structure: adverb + verb.)
  • The speech was effective due to its use of parallelism, as in "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..." (The repetition of "we shall fight on the..." creates a powerful rhythmic structure.)

Advanced Usage

• In Computing: Refers to a mode of operation where multiple processes are executed simultaneously. While the core concept of "simultaneous, analogous operations" aligns with the general definition, this is a specialized technical application.
  • The new processor architecture allows for greater parallelism, significantly speeding up data processing.

Variants and Related Words

• Parallel (adj.): Being or moving in the same direction but always the same distance apart; similar and analogous.
  • The road runs parallel to the river.
• Parallel (n.): A person or thing that is similar or analogous to another.
  • This modern case has many parallels in ancient history.
• Parallelogram (n.): A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel. (A geometric shape defined by its parallel lines.)

Synonyms

• Correspondence: A close similarity, connection, or equivalence.
• Similarity: The state of being like or resembling something else.
• Analogy: A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.
• Equivalence: The condition of being equal or essentially equal in value, function, or meaning.

Antonyms

• Divergence: The process or state of separating or moving in different directions from a common point.
• Difference: A point or way in which people or things are dissimilar.
• Contrast: The state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Draw a parallel between": To indicate or suggest a similarity between two things.
  • The author draws a parallel between the rise of the empire and the growth of a single corporation.
• "In parallel with": Simultaneously and in a similar or analogous way.
  • The research project was conducted in parallel with the clinical trials.

Noun

1. similarity by virtue of corresponding