What does "parallax" mean?
An apparent shift in the position of two stationary objects relative to each other as viewed by an observer, due to a change in observer position.
Parallax
/ˈpæɹ.əˌlæks/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An apparent shift in the position of two stationary objects relative to each other as viewed by an observer, due to a change in observer position.
- Grammar: parallax is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: apparent offset, depth cue, displacement, offset.
- Useful contrasts: no parallax, zero parallax.
- Usage evidence: Does bump mapping generate more graphics load than parallax?
How to use "parallax"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "parallax" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "parallax" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "parallax" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "parallax" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "apparent offset" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An apparent shift in the position of two stationary objects relative to each other as viewed by an observer, due to a change in observer position. countable, uncountable
"[…] Heliocentrick places, to which the Parallaxes being applied, give the Geocentrick."
- 2 the apparent displacement of an object as seen from two different points that are not on a line with the object wordnet
- 3 The angle of seeing of the astronomical unit. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To measure (a distance) based on parallax observations. transitive
- 2 To produce an illusion of levels of distance by shifting layers at different rates.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
no parallaxzero parallax
Example
"Does bump mapping generate more graphics load than parallax?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "parallax"?
Common synonyms include: apparent offset, depth cue, displacement, offset, perceptual shift.
How do you use "parallax" in a sentence?
Does bump mapping generate more graphics load than parallax?
How do you pronounce "parallax"?
Pronounced /ˈpæɹ.əˌlæks/.
Etymology
From Middle French parallaxe, from Ancient Greek παράλλαξις (parállaxis, “alteration”) from παραλλάσσω (parallássō, “to cause to alternate”) from ἀλλάσσω (allássō, “to alter”) from ἄλλος (állos, “other”). By surface analysis, par- + all- + -ax.