Paralleled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paralleled

[ˈpærəˌlɛld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

similar development

Paralleled refers to the act of comparing or showing similarities between two or more subjects. It can also imply that two things occur simultaneously or are analogous to each other in some significant way.

Synonyms

analogized, compared, corresponded, matched.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher paralleled the two historical events to highlight their similarities.
  • The author's themes in both novels paralleled each other remarkably.
  • Her experiences paralleled those of many others in the community.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In astronomy, two celestial objects are said to be paralleled if they maintain a constant distance from each other.
  • In physics, paralleled circuits allow electricity to flow through multiple pathways, showcasing their importance in technology.
  • In biology, parallel evolution occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environments.

Literature

  • Classic literature often employs parallel structure in writing, where similar grammatical forms highlight contrast or similarity.
  • In storytelling, parallel narratives can be used to compare and contrast different character arcs or themes.
  • Famous authors like Charles Dickens and F. Scott Fitzgerald often used parallelism to enhance the rhythm of their prose.

Pop Culture

  • Films often draw parallels between characters or plotlines to deepen themes, like in movies where two journeys unfold simultaneously.
  • Television shows like 'Lost' used parallel timelines to explore characters' pasts alongside their present challenges.
  • Comic books frequently feature parallel universes, where different versions of characters experience alternate realities.

Psychology

  • Parallel processing is a key concept in human perception, allowing the brain to handle multiple stimuli at once.
  • In social psychology, parallel situations help researchers understand human behavior by providing comparable contexts.
  • Therapeutic methods might draw parallels between a person's current struggles and historical events in their life for insight.

Origin of 'paralleled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'parallelus', meaning 'beside one another'.
  • In geometry, it was first used in the 1600s to describe lines that never meet.
  • The prefix 'para-' means alongside, while 'allelus' is related to each other.

The word 'paralleled' is derived from the root 'parallel', which originates from the Latin word 'parallelus', meaning 'alongside' and 'like' or 'similar'. The Latin term itself is derived from Greek 'parallelos', which combines 'para' meaning 'beside' and 'allelos' meaning 'each other'. The notion of parallelism has been prevalent in mathematics and geometry, describing lines that run alongside each other at an equal distance, without ever intersecting. Over time, 'parallel' has evolved to incorporate metaphorical meanings, such as in literature or discussions when two ideas, events, or situations are compared for similarities. The past tense 'paralleled' showcases this extended linguistic application, illustrating the dynamic nature of language development through comparative analysis.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,481, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.