What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
synchronous
Example
The students participated in a synchronous online class. [synchronous: adjective]
Example
The dancers moved in synchronous harmony with the music. [synchronous: adverb]
parallel
Example
The two parallel lines never meet. [parallel: adjective]
Example
She worked on two parallel projects at the same time. [parallel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Parallel is more commonly used than synchronous in everyday language. Parallel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while synchronous is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between synchronous and parallel?
Both synchronous and parallel can be used in formal and informal contexts, but synchronous may be more commonly used in technical or academic settings due to its specific usage in communication and interaction.
