Parallels Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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parallels
[ˈpærəlels ]
Definitions
computer software
A software application that allows users to run Windows on a Mac computer.
Synonyms
emulator, virtual machine.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parallels |
Not applicable, as this word has been addressed already. |
| virtual machine |
Use this term in the context of computing to describe a software emulation of a physical computer. It runs an operating system and applications in a manner separated from the host hardware. Common in IT environments.
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| emulator |
This is used when referring to software or hardware that mimics the function of another system, enabling programs to run as if they were being executed on the original system. Commonly used in computing and technology.
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Examples of usage
- I use Parallels to run Windows programs on my Mac.
- Parallels is a popular choice for virtualization software on macOS.
mathematics
Lines or planes that are always the same distance apart, never touching or intersecting.
Synonyms
equidistant, non-intersecting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parallels |
This term is often used when talking about lines or surfaces that never meet and are always the same distance apart. It is also used in abstract discussions to draw comparisons between similar situations or ideas.
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| equidistant |
This word is used when something is at equal distances from two or more points. It's often used in geometry, navigation, and planning.
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| non-intersecting |
This phrase is best used in literal contexts to describe lines or paths that do not cross or meet. It is especially useful in fields like mathematics and engineering.
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Examples of usage
- In geometry, parallel lines never meet no matter how far they are extended.
- The concept of parallelism is fundamental in the study of Euclidean geometry.
comparison
To be similar or analogous to something else.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parallels |
Used when indicating similar situations, events, or characteristics that occur at the same time or in the same context. It emphasizes similarities between two separate entities.
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| resemble |
Used for indicating when one thing looks like or shares significant characteristics with another thing, often talking about physical or visual similarities.
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| mirror |
Used metaphorically to describe something that closely reflects or replicates another thing, often used in literature or art when something is a direct reflection of reality or another scenario.
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Examples of usage
- The author's life parallels that of the main character in his novel.
- The economic situation in the two countries runs parallel to each other.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, parallel lines are defined as lines in the same plane that never meet, no matter how far they are extended.
- The symbol for parallel is '||', and is used frequently in equations and proofs.
- Parallel coordinates are a common way to visualize high-dimensional data in fields like data science and analytics.
Literature
- Writers often use parallels in storytelling to highlight similarities between characters or events, enriching the narrative.
- In epic poetry, parallels can connect different stories or characters, creating deeper themes and relationships.
- Many comparative analysis essays examine parallels between historical events, revealing patterns in human behavior.
History
- Throughout history, parallel movements in different cultures have occurred, such as the Renaissance in Europe and the Ming dynasty in China, both marking significant cultural advancements.
- The concept of parallelism in governance can be observed in democratic movements across nations, where similar ideas of equality emerged independently.
- Parallel wars, like the Korean War and the Vietnam War, were shaped by similar geopolitical factors despite their distinct contexts.
Psychology
- Cognitive psychologists often explore the parallels between human thought processes and artificial intelligence, debating how each learns and makes decisions.
- In therapy, drawing parallels between past experiences and current behavior helps individuals understand their patterns.
- The ability to recognize parallels in situations can enhance problem-solving skills by allowing people to apply successful strategies from previous experiences.
Pop Culture
- In music, a lot of songs draw parallels in themes, such as love and loss, making them relatable to listeners across generations.
- Film directors frequently employ parallel storytelling, where two or more narratives unfold simultaneously, influencing how the audience perceives each storyline.
- Fans often discuss parallels between books and their movie adaptations, comparing character developments and thematic representations.
Origin of 'parallels'
The word 'parallels' originated from the Latin word 'parallelus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'parallelos'. The concept of parallel lines has been studied for centuries, with Euclid's Elements being one of the earliest works to discuss parallelism. In modern usage, 'parallels' is commonly associated with computing and virtualization, reflecting the technological advancements of the digital age.
See also: parallel, parallelepiped, parallelism, parallelizing, parallelogram, unparalleled.