Parliamentary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parliamentary

[หŒpษ‘หrlษ™หˆmษ›ntri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

government

Relating to or characteristic of a parliament or parliamentarians.

Synonyms

congressional, legislative, senatorial.

Examples of usage

  • The parliamentary elections were held last month.
  • The parliamentary debate lasted for hours.
  • The parliamentary system allows for checks and balances.
  • The parliamentary committee reviewed the proposed legislation.
  • The parliamentary procedures were followed to ensure fairness.
Context #2 | Adjective

formal meetings

Of or relating to a formal conference or assembly.

Synonyms

congressional, legislative, senatorial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parliamentary

Used when referring to systems related to a parliament, or the British style of government, which includes different houses or chambers.

  • The parliamentary debate lasted all night
  • The federal election follows the parliamentary system
congressional

Used when referring to matters related to a congress, particularly in the context of the United States legislative branch.

  • The congressional hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday
  • Congressional approval is needed for the new law
legislative

Used in a general sense to describe anything related to the process of making or enacting laws.

  • The legislative process involves multiple steps
  • Legislative bodies meet to discuss new laws
senatorial

Used when referring to matters specifically related to a senate or senators, often in the context of the United States or similar governmental structures.

  • She is running for a senatorial seat
  • The senatorial committee will review the proposal

Examples of usage

  • The parliamentary session was attended by delegates from all over the world.
  • The parliamentary conference discussed important global issues.
  • The parliamentary gathering focused on climate change.
  • The parliamentary summit aimed to promote international cooperation.
  • The parliamentary forum provided a platform for discussion.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political Systems

  • In parliamentary systems, the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislature (parliament).
  • Countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and India have varying forms of parliamentary democracy.

Historical Significance

  • The English Civil War in the 17th century significantly altered the power dynamics between monarchy and parliament.
  • The Parliament of Scotland and the Parliament of England merged in 1707 to create the Parliament of Great Britain, influencing modern governance.

Pop Culture

  • Parliamentary proceedings and debates often become the subject of satirical commentaries and shows, reflecting the public's interest in politics.
  • Films and literature often depict parliamentary settings as arenas of conflict and negotiation, showcasing the drama of political life.

International Variances

  • Parliamentary systems can differ widely; for example, some employ proportional representation, while others use first-past-the-post voting.
  • In some countries, like Germany, the parliament is divided into two houses, adding a layer of representation and law-making complexity.

Origin of 'parliamentary'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'parlement,' which means 'speaking' or 'discussion'.
  • Originally, 'parliament' referred to a formal assembly where important matters were discussed in medieval England.

The word 'parliamentary' originated in the early 19th century from the word 'parliament,' which itself comes from the Old French word 'parlement.' The concept of a parliament as a legislative body dates back to medieval England, where representatives gathered to discuss and make decisions on important matters. Over time, the term 'parliamentary' has come to encompass not only the workings of a legislative assembly but also formal meetings and conferences where decisions are made collectively.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,872 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.