What does parle mean?
Parle is an archaic English verb meaning “to speak” or “to talk.” It appears in older literature, especially Renaissance and early modern writing, where it can describe ordinary conversation as well as formal speech by a messenger, witness, or representative. In modern English, the word is uncommon and may sound deliberately old-fashioned, sometimes suggesting a historical setting or a quotation from an earlier text. Although it once served as the ordinary word for speaking, speakers today normally choose speak, talk, or converse instead. Parle is historically related to words including parley, parlance, parliament, and parole, all of which preserve forms connected with the Old French parler and the Latin verb parlare. Its survival provides a glimpse of how the vocabulary of speaking and discussion has developed in English.
verbTo speak or talk. The word survives mainly in older English and is encountered in archaic or literary contexts.
- To speak or talk, especially in archaic or literary English.
"The herald commanded the messenger to parle on behalf of the king."
"In the old play, the prisoner is ordered to parle plainly to the court."
"The scholar explained that the archaic verb appears throughout the early modern dialogue."
Once a straightforward word for speaking, parle now survives mainly as a linguistic relic from the age of Shakespeare.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parle come from?
English parle was borrowed during the Middle English period from Old French parler, meaning “to speak” or “to talk.” Old French parler came ultimately from Latin parlare, a widely inherited verbal root associated with speech and discourse. That root also produced English words such as parley, parlance, parliament, and parole, although their later meanings reflect specialized developments in negotiation, eloquence, institutional discussion, and a spoken declaration.
Related word forms
How parle is actually used
Chiefly archaic and literary. It is not normally used in modern conversation, where speak or talk is preferred.
Easily confused with parle
Parle is an archaic verb meaning “speak” or “talk,” whereas parley usually means a discussion or negotiation between opposing parties.