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parallelism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈpærəˌlɪzəm/

KK: /ˈpærəˌlɛlɪzəm/

noun
Definition

The quality or state of being similar or having a corresponding relationship, often used in grammar to describe the use of similar structures in sentences.


Example

The author used parallelism in her writing to create rhythm and emphasize her points.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed the parallelism in their arguments?
Sloth B
Yeah, it really makes their points stronger and more convincing.
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s interesting how effective parallelism can be in writing.
Sloth B
Definitely, it helps the reader follow along more easily.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
similarity
correspondence
analogy
Antonyms
difference
disparity
dissimilarity
Root Explanation

Parallelism → It is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or alongside) and "allelos" (meaning each other). The word describes the state of being alongside each other, often in a similar manner or direction.

Memory Tip

Think of things that are 'beside each other' ('para-') and 'each other' ('allelos') — that's why parallelism refers to things that run alongside in a similar way.

Visually Confused Words
allelism
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