Origin: Greek prefix para-
Parallel has 12 different meanings across 3 categories:
an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
"The captain adjusted the ship's course to follow a latitude line that ran perfectly parallel to the equator."
(mathematics) one of a set of parallel geometric figures (parallel lines or planes)
"parallels never meet"
One of a set of parallel lines.
"The two train tracks running side by side are perfectly parallel lines that never meet, no matter how far they stretch into the distance."
In plain English: Parallel is a line that runs alongside another line without ever touching it, even if they go on forever.
"The two train tracks run parallel to each other along the riverbank."
Usage: Use "parallel" as a noun to refer to two or more lines that run equidistantly without ever meeting. This usage typically describes geometric shapes or tracks, such as railway lines, rather than abstract concepts.
To construct or place something parallel to something else.
"The surveyor adjusted the new fence so that it ran perfectly parallel to the property line."
In plain English: To parallel something means to move alongside it while staying at the same distance without ever touching.
"The new highway runs parallel to the old riverbed."
Usage: Use "parallel" as a verb when you are drawing a line or positioning an object so that it runs alongside another without ever touching it. This action requires maintaining a constant distance between the two items throughout their entire length.
being everywhere equidistant and not intersecting
"parallel lines never converge"
"concentric circles are parallel"
"dancers in two parallel rows"
of or relating to the simultaneous performance of multiple operations
"parallel processing"
Equally distant from one another at all points.
"The two railway tracks run parallel, maintaining exactly the same distance apart for miles on end."
In plain English: Parallel means two lines that run side by side and never meet no matter how far they go.
Usage: Use parallel to describe two lines or surfaces that run side by side without ever meeting or crossing each other. This term applies whether the objects are physical tracks or abstract ideas that develop in a similar way.
With a parallel relationship.
"The company established a parallel program to train its new hires alongside the existing senior staff."
In plain English: Parallel means moving or going along side by side without ever touching or crossing each other.
"The train tracks run parallel to the highway."
Usage: Use "parallel" as an adverb to describe actions or situations that occur simultaneously and in a similar manner, often implying that two events are happening side by side without interfering with each other. Avoid using it when you simply mean "alongside," as the term specifically requires a sense of synchronized progression.
The word comes from the Latin parallēlos, which originally meant "running alongside." It entered English via Middle French, where it was borrowed to describe lines that never meet.