parley
PAHR-lee
/ˈpɑːrli/
A conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice.
Often carries a military or high-stakes historical connotation, where enemies pause fighting to talk.
The story behind the word. Comes directly from the French verb parler (to speak). It entered English during the Middle Ages, specifically to describe formal discussions between warring knights who needed to talk instead of fight.
Word relationships
- conference: A conference is a general meeting for discussion, while a parley is specifically a meeting between hostile opponents to discuss peace or terms.
- skirmish: A skirmish is a brief fight, whereas a parley is a pause in fighting to talk.
Commonly confused with
- parlay: To 'parley' (with an 'e') is to hold a discussion with an enemy, while to 'parlay' (without an 'e' in some contexts, though spelled the same) can mean to turn an initial asset into a much greater sum in gambling.
Collocations
- hold a parley
- call for a parley
- parley with
Idioms & expressions
- smoke a peace pipe
- bury the hatchet
Example sentences
- "The two commanders met under a white flag to parley." Describing a dramatic pause in a historical battle.
- "Let us parley before we draw our swords." A literary reference to diplomatic discussions.
Memory hook
Think of 'parliament' (where politicians speak) or 'parlor' (a room for talking). A parley is a talk. Speaking to the enemy to stop the fight.
When not to use
Do not use for casual business meetings or everyday shopping.
Fun facts
- The word 'parley' is famous in pirate lore, popularized by the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, where characters invoke the 'right of parley' to demand an audience with the captain.
Explore more words
truce, armistice, confrontation, dialogue, negotiate, conciliation
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