Make Your Point > Archived Issues > PARITY

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

explore the archives: "Parity" means "a state of equality," and it's related to the words "part," "pair," and "par" (as in "par for the course" and "on par with something"). You might be more familiar with the opposite word, "disparity," meaning "a lack of equality." All these words relate to the idea of equality. Interestingly, "parity" also shares a root with "j__par____," which today means "to put something in danger," but the base word originally meant "a game of equal chances; a well-matched game." Considering this, do you think that base word is an appropriate name for that game show? :) make your point with... "PARITY" "Parity" is a more formal word for "equality" or "equivalence." In other words, to achieve parity is to achieve a fair, balanced state of equality between or among things. Pronunciation: PAIR uh dee Part of speech: Uncountable noun. (Like "milk," "rice," and "education," uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about "some milk," "the rice," and "a lot of education," but you don’t say "a milk," "three rices," or "many educations." Likewise, talk about "the parity," "such parity," "achieving parity," "no parity," and so on, but don’t say "parities.") Other forms: None. But I should note that there's another "parity" with its own meaning: the number of times a female has given birth. Also, notice that "parity" sounds exactly like "parody," but the meanings are totally different. How to use it: Talk about nations or groups achieving parity, maintaining parity, calling for parity, striving for parity, etc. This parity that you're aiming for is often "with" your competitor or counterpart: "achieving parity with the rival nation," "maintaining parity with these other professionals." You can describe a parity of or in some quality or resource: "a parity of strength," "a parity of power," "a parity of years of experience," "a parity in natural resources," "a parity in weapons technology." And often this specified parity is between or among things or people: "a parity of wisdom between the contestants", "a parity in weapons technology among the most powerful nations." examples: What happens when society becomes obsessed with parity among citizens in intellect, strength, and beauty? Vonnegut provides a disturbing answer in his short story, "Harrison Bergeron." New health care laws are establishing parity between coverage of oral and intravenous cancer drugs--the former can be much more expensive. study it now: Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "parity" means when you can explain it without saying "sameness" or "a balance." try it out: Think of two things that used to be pretty equal, but now one is much, much better, and fill in the blanks: "There's just no way to restore parity between _____ and _____." Example: "Academically, there's just no way to restore parity between the child who avoided reading and the child who became a habitual reader. The latter will always be leaps and bounds ahead." before you review: Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. When it comes to word roots, everybody knows what some of them mean, like “ambi/amphi” (“both”) and “circum” (“around”) and “hetero” (“different”). This knowledge helps you explain why words like “automobile” and “autobiography” look similar—in this case, it’s because they both involve the concept of “self.” But what about some of the less obvious roots? Could you explain, for example, why “contain” looks so much like “sustain” by defining “tain”? This month, we're exploring the meanings underlying common words you know. You can usually figure these out by looking for an extremely basic concept common to all the words in each group. We’ll start with easier, more obvious roots and move on to trickier ones as the month goes on! Yesterday's question:  In apparently, appear, parent, and transparent, what does “par/pear” mean? Answer: To bring forth, or to come into sight.  Try this one today:  In aggravate, grave, gravitate, gravity, and gravitas, what does “grav” mean? review today's word: 1. The exact opposite of PARITY is DISPARITY. But a close opposite of PARITY would be A. INCONGRUITY B. INCONSPICUOUSNESS C. INCONSIDERATION 2.  They're only striving for parity in this market, not _____. A. dominance B. charity C. perfection Answers are below. a final word: To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. A