Parliamentary

Definition

Parliamentary refers to matters pertaining to a parliament, its processes, and proceedings. It can also describe a system of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from, and is held accountable to, the legislature.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective: parliamentary (e.g., "a parliamentary system of government")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑrləˌmɛntəri/
• Respelling: PAR-luh-men-tuh-ree (with "PAR" as in "park," "luh" as in "luck," "men" as in "men," "tuh" as in "butter," and "ree" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɑːləməntri/
• Respelling: PAH-luh-men-tree (with "PAH" as in "father," "luh" as in "luck," "men" as in "men," and "tree" as in "tree")

In both dialects, "parliamentary" places the primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation reflects typical regional variations in vowel sounds and pronunciation style between American and British English, focusing on the articulation of each syllable clearly.

Etymology

The term "parliamentary" is derived from the Old French word "parlement", which comes from the verb "parler", meaning "to talk". This describes the primary function of a parliament, which is a place for discussion and debate. The suffix "-ary" is added to indicate a relation to, or a quality of, the noun "parliament".

Derivatives

• Parliamentarian
• Parliamentarism
• Parliamentarily
• Parliamentariness
• Parliamentary democracy

Synonyms

• Legislative
• Congressional
• Senatorial

Antonyms

• Non-legislative
• Extra-parliamentary
• Non-representative

Usage

The term "parliamentary" is often used in the context of government and political science, especially when discussing systems where the legislature holds significant power and influence over the executive.

Related Terms

• Legislature
• Democracy
• Bill
• Motion
• Caucus

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Of or relating to a parliament or its proceedings.
• Example: "The prime minister faced a parliamentary inquiry."

• Characteristic of, or in the manner of, a parliament.
• Example: "The discussions were conducted in a parliamentary manner."

• Of, relating to, or enacted by a parliament.
• Example: "Parliamentary laws are made by elected representatives."

• Having a system of governance where the executive is accountable to the legislature.
• Example: "Britain has a parliamentary system."