Parallel Spelling — a Quick Spelling Guide

The word ‘parallel‘ is not only a challenging word to spell in English but also a difficult word to pronounce. How do you spell parallel? Is it as pallerel, or parralel?

Etymology of the Word ‘Parallel’

The word ‘parallel‘ originates from French parallèle, directly from Latin parallelus, and from the Greek word ‘parallēlos.’ It was first used in the geometry to describe lines “lying in the same plane but never intersecting in either direction.”

How Do You Spell Parallel?

The accurate spelling of the word is P-A-R-A-L-L-E-L. The term has three-letter l and one letter r.

Also, note that the letter r comes before the doubled l in spelling. It is wrong to spell it as parralel or pallarel. PARALLEL is an eight-lettered, three-syllable word with three vowels and five consonants. The phonetic pronunciation of the word is /ˈpærəlel/. The stressed syllable in the word is the first, as in PAR-al-lel.

Parallel: Definitions and Part of Speech

The word ‘parallel’ can function as an adjective, a noun, or a verb in sentence. Let’s look at some of its definitions and examples to understand its usage better.

1. As an Adjective

The word parallel functions as an adjective. It is:

  • Used to describe two things that are equally distant at all points. On my notebook paper, the horizontal lines are parallel.
  • Used to describe two objects with the same direction, the comparison is indicated with “to.” The car was parked parallel to the building.
  • Used to describe objects lying in the same plane without intersecting or meeting (especially in geometry, said of a pair of lines).
  • To describe the processing of multiple tasks at the same time.

3. As a Noun

When functioning as a noun, the word ‘parallel’ can mean the following:

  • A similarity or relationship between two things, particularly things that exist or happen at different times or places.
  • A direction that is similar to another.
  • Something similar or identical in principle.
  • A pattern of electrical components that are used to allow a current to flow along two or more paths; in parallel.

4. As a Verb

Parallel takes the following verb forms when acting as a verb: simple present tense – parallels, present participle – paralleling, past tense – paralleled. It can mean the following:

  • To position something parallel to something else.
  • Comparing or likening something to another.
  • To happen at the same time or be related.
  • To correspond to or be similar to something else.

Sentence Examples

  • The road runs parallel to the river.
  • Parallel lines do not meet.
  • The opposite sides of a square are parallel.
  • Those chairs are parallel to the bed.
  • The rail lines are parallel to each other.
  • We need a parallel change in the company’s administration.
  • The humidity levels are parallel.
  • Mary’s success and accomplishment are without parallel.
  • The floor is parallel to the wall.
green and white striped textile on parallel long steel
Photo by Deepak Rautela on Unsplash

To Wrap Up

The word ‘parallel’ can act as an adjective, a noun, and a verb. It is commonly used to refer to things relating to each another. It can be used to describe a similarity or relationship between two things. How do you spell parallel?The proper spelling of the word is P-A-R-A-L-L-E-L.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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