parleys Meaning & Definition
What Does Parleys Mean?
As a noun, parleys means a conference for discussion of points in dispute. It can also mean a conference with an enemy. As a verb, it means to speak with another.
Word Facts for Parleys
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpär-lē/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | colloquies, conferences and councils |
Parleys Definition (Noun)
- a conference for discussion of points in dispute
- a conference with an enemy
- discussion
Parleys as a Verb
- to speak with another : confer
- to discuss terms with an enemy
The government refused to parley with the rebels.
Synonyms of Parleys
Antonyms of Parleys
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Parleys in a Sentence
The government refused to parley with the rebels.
held a parley to debate the proposed change in the town's zoning laws
can we meet for an informal parley to see if we can effect a compromise?
in an effort to win the goodwill of the locals, the developers parleyed with them before finalizing plans for the massive mall
Word Forms & Grammar
par·leys
parley
parleys
par·leyed
par·ley·ing
parleyed
parleying
Words That Rhyme With Parleys
Origin of Parleys
Origin 1: Middle English parlay "speech," borrowed from Anglo-French parlee, parly "speech, conversation, debate," probably noun derivative from feminine of parlé, past participle of parler "to speak, talk," going back to early Medieval Latin parabolāre, noun derivative of Late Latin parabola "comparison, allegory, proverb, discourse, speech" parable
Origin 2: derivative of parley:2
First Known Use
circa 1580
1576
Pronouncing Parleys
The standard pronunciation of parleys is /ˈpär-lē/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (pär).