historical parallels

Meaning

1. 1nounplural

   Similar situations or events in different periods of history, especially when one is used to explain or predict the other.

   Grammar: Plural noun; use it with a plural verb: 'Historical parallels exist between the two crises.' For one comparison, use the singular 'historical parallel'.

   Patterns

   • historical parallels between A and B
   • draw a historical parallel between A and B
   • see historical parallels with something

   The professor drew historical parallels between the financial crash of 1929 and the recent crisis.

   Commentators often look for historical parallels when a new war breaks out.

   There are clear historical parallels between the two empires' declines.

Word forms

Common combinations

draw a historical parallel

The author draws a historical parallel between ancient Rome and modern America.

find historical parallels

Historians have found historical parallels in the way both revolutions began.

obvious historical parallels

There are obvious historical parallels with the 1930s.

historical parallels between A and B

The essay explores historical parallels between the two pandemics.

Synonyms and how they differ

analogy

A broader word for any comparison; 'historical parallels' is narrower and always involves events from history.

precedent

Refers to an earlier case used as a guide for later decisions, often in law; it does not necessarily involve a comparison of two whole situations.

Word family

historical adjective

relating to the past or to the study of history

parallel noun

a person, situation, or thing that is very similar to another

parallel verb

to be similar to something or to happen at the same time

Commonly confused: historical parallels or historical?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “historical parallels”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words