Parse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parse

[pɑːrs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

computing

To analyze a string of characters to identify its grammatical components.

Synonyms

analyze, break down, interpret.

Examples of usage

  • Please parse this sentence and identify the subject and predicate.
  • The software can parse the code and highlight any syntax errors.
Context #2 | Verb

linguistics

To analyze a sentence into its elements and describe their syntactic roles.

Synonyms

analyze, break down, dissect.

Examples of usage

  • Linguists parse sentences to understand the underlying structure.
  • They need to parse the sentence to determine the grammatical relationships.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

A parser that analyzes a string of characters according to a specified grammar.

Synonyms

analyzer, interpreter, processor.

Examples of usage

  • The program includes a powerful parse function for processing input data.
  • This parse module is essential for interpreting the code correctly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Computer Science

  • In programming, parsing is essential for compilers that translate code written by humans into machine language that computers can understand.
  • Many popular programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript, require parsers to interpret source code accurately.
  • Error detection during parsing is crucial for software development; it helps identify problems in code before execution.

Linguistics

  • Parsing is a key concept in linguistics, where it involves analyzing sentence structure to understand meaning and grammar.
  • Different types of parsing (like dependency and constituency parsing) help linguists understand how words relate within a sentence.
  • Natural language processing (NLP) relies heavily on parsing to enable machines to process and understand human language.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to parse texts to improve comprehension, breaking down complex paragraphs into simpler parts.
  • Parsing is a fundamental skill in language acquisition, aiding in the understanding of grammar and syntax for learners of all ages.
  • Reading strategies often include parsing as a way to help students dissect and engage with challenging material.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical analysis often involves parsing complex arguments to critique and understand underlying assumptions.
  • The idea of parsing can be applied in discussing texts of great thinkers, dissecting their ideas for clarity and understanding.
  • In rhetoric, parsing arguments helps in identifying logical fallacies and strengthening reasoning skills.

Origin of 'parse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'parse' comes from Latin 'pars', meaning 'a part', highlighting the act of breaking down something into components.
  • Its usage in English dates back to the 14th century, originally applied to grammar and later evolved in various fields like computing.
  • In addition to linguistics, 'parse' has roots in the study of logic and philosophy, illustrating its multifaceted applications.

The word 'parse' originated from the Latin word 'parsus', which means 'participles'. In the English language, 'parse' first appeared in the 16th century. It has been commonly used in computing and linguistics to describe the analysis of strings or sentences. The concept of parsing has evolved with the development of programming languages and natural language processing.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,788, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.