Parley
/ˈpɑːrli/
nounverbC2
Definition
Parley is a special kind of meeting or talk between people or groups who usually disagree or are in conflict. The goal of a parley is to discuss important issues, often to stop fighting or find a solution. It is more formal and serious than a normal conversation.
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See It in Action
A formal discussion between opposing sides, usually to stop fighting
- •The generals agreed to a parley to discuss surrender terms.
- •During the war, the two sides held a parley to negotiate a ceasefire.
- •Pirates called for a parley before deciding to attack the ship.
To have a formal talk or discussion, especially between enemies or rivals
- •The leaders parleyed to find a peaceful solution.
- •They parleyed through a messenger to avoid direct conflict.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "parley" like "talk," but a very important and serious talk between enemies or people who want to stop fighting
- ✓Picture two groups meeting at a quiet place, sitting down with calm faces, trying to solve a big problem together
- ✓It's the feeling of hope when two sides try to understand each other instead of continuing conflict
- ✓Sounds like "PAR-lee" → imagine a pair (two sides) talking carefully and slowly to agree
- ✓In stories or movies, pirates or soldiers often have a parley to stop fighting and talk about peace
- ✓NOT like "chat" (casual and friendly) but formal and serious discussion between opponents
- ✓NOT like "argue" (angry and loud) but calm and respectful talk to reach agreement
- ✓NOT like "negotiation" (which can be business or friendly), parley is usually about peace or conflict
Try Other Words
- •Negotiation: formal discussion to reach an agreement (Use when the talk is about business or agreements, not only about peace or conflict)
- •Discussion: general talk about a topic (Use when the conversation is less formal and not necessarily between enemies)
- •Dialogue: talk between two or more people, often to improve understanding (Use when focusing on communication rather than conflict resolution)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, the word is borrowed whole)
- •Etymology: From French "parler" meaning "to speak" or "talk"
- •Historical development: Used since the 16th century to mean a formal meeting, especially between enemies or opposing sides
- •Modern usage: Mainly used in formal or literary contexts to describe talks aiming at peace or agreement, often in war or conflict stories
Reflect & Connect
•Can a parley happen between friends or only between enemies? Why do you think so?
•How does having a parley change the feelings or actions of people involved in a conflict?
Fill in the blanks
1.The two armies agreed to a parley because they wanted to ___ the fighting.
2.During the parley, both sides spoke ___ and tried to understand each other.
3.A parley is different from an argument because it is more ___ and focused on peace.
4.Pirates often call for a parley before they ___ a battle.
5.The leaders parleyed through a messenger to avoid direct ___.
6.If people only have a friendly chat, it is not called a parley but a simple ___.
7.A parley usually happens when both sides want to ___ a problem without violence.