What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tropic
Example
The tropics are known for their lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. [tropics: noun]
Example
Mangoes and pineapples are tropical fruits that grow in warm climates. [tropical: adjective]
parallel
Example
The train tracks run parallel to each other for miles. [parallel: adjective]
Example
The rise of social media has a parallel effect on the decline of traditional media. [parallel: noun]
Example
The two projects are running parallel to each other, with different teams working on each one. [parallel: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Parallel is more commonly used than tropic in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts. Tropic is more limited in its usage and is typically only used in specific geographic or climatic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tropic and parallel?
Both tropic and parallel can be used in academic or scientific contexts, but parallel is generally considered more formal and technical due to its use in mathematics and science.
