Parade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽ‰
Add to dictionary

parade

[pษ™หˆreษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

marching

A public procession, especially one celebrating a special day or event, consisting of people marching or riding vehicles.

Synonyms

cortege, march, procession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
parade

Used for public celebrations or events, often featuring a series of people or groups moving down a street with music, floats, and costumes.

  • We watched the annual Independence Day parade in the city center.
  • The Thanksgiving parade features giant balloons and marching bands.
procession

A general term for a group of people moving forward in an organized manner, often for ceremonies or formal events, which can be religious, celebratory, or solemn.

  • The wedding procession slowly made its way down the aisle.
  • The religious procession was a key part of the festival.
march

Typically refers to a coordinated group movement, often for political or social protests, or military parades. It can also mean a steady walk in a determined manner.

  • The activists organized a march to protest the new law.
  • The soldiers participated in a military march on the national holiday.
cortege

Commonly used for a formal or ceremonial procession, often associated with funerals.

  • The funeral cortege moved slowly through the town.
  • A solemn cortege accompanied the king's coffin to the cathedral.

Examples of usage

  • The annual Thanksgiving parade in New York City is famous for its giant balloons.
  • Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the colorful parade go by.
  • The Pride parade is a celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and diversity.
Context #2 | Verb

showing off

Walk or march in public to show off or celebrate something.

Synonyms

display, exhibit, flaunt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
parade

Typically used for organized public processions with people marching, often to celebrate or commemorate an event or show military strength.

  • The city held a parade to celebrate the national holiday.
  • The soldiers marched proudly in the military parade.
display

Used when showing objects or information deliberately to attract attention or inform, often in structured settings like museums, stores, or shows.

  • The art gallery had a new display of contemporary sculptures.
  • The store had a beautiful window display for Christmas.
exhibit

Commonly used in contexts where items are formally shown for public viewing, particularly at museums, galleries, or exhibitions.

  • The museum's new exhibit included ancient artifacts from Egypt.
  • She decided to exhibit her paintings at the local art fair.
flaunt

Often has a negative connotation, implying that someone is showing off something, usually in a boastful or ostentatious manner.

  • He likes to flaunt his wealth by buying expensive cars.
  • They were accused of flaunting their success in front of their less fortunate friends.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers will parade in front of the commander during the ceremony.
  • She likes to parade her new designer handbag whenever she goes out.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'parade' comes from the French word 'parade', which means a show or display, and it was adopted in the English language in the 17th century.
  • Parades have their roots in ancient festivals, where communities celebrated with processions to honor deities or commemorate events.
  • In the 18th century, military parades became common as a way to display military strength and discipline.

Cultural Significance

  • Parades are a key part of many cultural celebrations worldwide, including Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the Carnival in Brazil, each showcasing unique traditions.
  • The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City features giant character balloons and attracts millions of spectators both in-person and on television.
  • Drum corps and marching bands often participate in parades, adding vibrant music and synchronized performances to the festivities.

Pop Culture

  • Parades often serve as backdrops or themes in movies and TV shows, symbolizing celebration and community spirit.
  • The term 'parade' is used in popular songs to evoke feelings of joy, unity, and festivity, often associated with good times.
  • Disney parades are famous for elaborate floats and characters, drawing huge crowds at theme parks around the world.

Psychology

  • Participating in parades can boost feelings of community belonging, leading to enhanced mental well-being.
  • The celebration seen in parades often generates feelings of happiness and excitement, reinforcing social bonds among participants.
  • Witnessing a parade can create a sense of nostalgia, reminding people of joyous moments from their childhood.

Education

  • Parades are often used in educational settings to teach children about history, culture, and social dynamics through active participation.
  • School parades can provide students the chance to practice teamwork, organization, and public performance skills.
  • Many history classes use parades to illustrate important events, such as Independence Day celebrations that showcase national pride.

Origin of 'parade'

The word 'parade' originated from the Spanish word 'parada', meaning a stop, halt, or landing. It was first used in English in the mid-17th century to refer to a public procession or march. Over time, it evolved to encompass various celebratory events and displays of pride or showmanship.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,470 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.