Parallelled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek 'parallelos', meaning 'beside one another'.
• It made its way into English through Latin in the 15th century, evolving to reflect the idea of similarity.
• Etymologically, it highlights the concept of comparison between two ideas or events.

Literature

• Writers often use parallel narratives to enhance storytelling, allowing simultaneous events to unfold for dramatic effect.
• Classic texts like 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens showcase parallel experiences of characters in differing circumstances.
• Parallelism in poetry creates rhythm; famous poets like Shakespeare often employed this technique for emphasis.

Science

• In physics, parallel lines are crucial as they help define concepts of space and geometry.
• Parallel processes in biology can describe simultaneous reactions occurring in living organisms, like photosynthesis and respiration.
• In computing, parallel processing refers to executing multiple tasks at the same time for efficiency.

Psychology

• Psychologists explore parallel thought patterns where individuals may draw similar conclusions from different experiences.
• Parallel experiences can shape a person's worldview and foster empathy as they find common ground with others.
• The phenomenon of parallel play describes young children playing alongside each other, which is crucial for social development.

Pop Culture

• In films, simultaneous storylines are often used to build tension or contrast, like in 'Inception' with dreams happening at different levels.
• TV shows like 'Lost' used parallel timelines to reveal character backstories and plot arcs concurrently.
• Music often utilizes parallel melodies or harmonies, especially in genres like jazz and pop, creating a rich auditory experience.

Ranking #38,227, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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