what does parallel mean

“Parallel” has a few related meanings in English, but the core idea is two or more things that run alongside each other without meeting. 1) As an adjective (most common): it describes lines, surfaces, or paths that are always the same distance apart and never intersect. Example: “The two railroad tracks are parallel.” In geometry, parallel lines lie in the same plane and do not meet, no matter how far they are extended. 2) As a noun: a parallel is something that is similar or corresponding to something else. Example: “There are many parallels between the novel and real events.” 3) As a verb: to parallel something means to be similar to it or to match it in some way. Example: “The author’s life parallels the story he tells.” 4) In everyday and technical use: “in parallel” often means happening at the same time (e.g., tasks running in parallel). Simple contrasts: parallel things do not intersect; the opposite idea would be intersecting or perpendicular. Use examples and context to choose the right sense (geometric, comparative, temporal).