PARALLELISM Meaning and
Definition
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Parallelism is a grammatical and rhetorical device used to create balance and harmony within a sentence or a paragraph by using similar structures or patterns. It involves the repetition of words, phrases, or structures in an orderly and symmetric manner, enhancing clarity, coherence, and emphasis in the text. Parallelism can be observed at both the sentence level and the larger structural level, such as in paragraphs or essays.
At the sentence level, parallelism requires that different components of a sentence - subject, verb, object, or modifiers - share the same grammatical form. This repetition of grammatical structure amplifies the overall impact and makes the ideas more memorable. For example, the sentence "She likes to swim, to dance, and to sing" employs parallelism by using the infinitive form after each verb.
On a larger scale, parallelism occurs when similar ideas or arguments are presented in a balanced way, often through repetition or patterns. This technique enhances the overall coherence and persuasiveness of the writing, especially in persuasive or rhetorical pieces. For instance, in Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech, the repetition of the phrase "I have a dream" emphasizes his vision and creates a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Overall, parallelism is a crucial tool in writing, as it adds clarity, coherence, and impact to the text by creating balance and symmetry. This rhetorical device aids in organizing ideas and arguments, while also influencing the overall tone and persuasiveness of the writing.
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State of being parallel; resemblance; comparison; in Heb. poetry, the correspondence of two successive lines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for PARALLELISM
Etymology of PARALLELISM
The word "parallelism" originated from the Greek word "parallēlismos", which comes from the combination of two elements: "para" meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "allelon" meaning "one another" or "mutually". The Greek term was eventually adopted into Latin as "parallelismus" and then into English as "parallelism".
Similar spelling words for PARALLELISM
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