Definition

Relating to the apparent shift in position of an object when viewed from different angles.

Example

The parallactic shift of the stars can be observed from different points in Earth's orbit.

Conversation

Did you understand the parallactic shift in that astronomy lecture?

Not really, it was a bit confusing for me.

Yeah, it took me some time to wrap my head around it too.

I guess we can study it together and clear up the parallactic concepts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parallactic → It is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or alongside) and "allaxis" (from Greek, meaning a change or a different direction). The word "parallactic" refers to something that is related to or resulting from the effect of viewing an object from different angles, hence the idea of being beside or alongside in perspective.

Memory Tip

Think of viewing something from 'beside' ('para-') and noticing a 'change' ('allaxis') in its position — that's what parallactic means.

Visually Confused Words