What does parley mean?
A parley is a formal negotiation, discussion, or exchange of terms between people or groups who are usually adversaries. As a verb, “to parley” means to confer or negotiate with an opponent, especially during a conflict or in order to arrange a settlement. The word carries a formal and somewhat archaic atmosphere, often suggesting diplomacy, peace negotiations, or a meeting between opposing commanders. Although it can describe ordinary discussion, its strongest associations are with conflicts and attempts to resolve them without continuing the struggle. “Parley” may be countable when referring to a meeting or agreement, as in “the two sides entered into a parley,” while its verb form is commonly used with “with.” The word is related to several English words concerning speech, discussion, and speaking.
To negotiate or discuss terms with an opponent, especially during a conflict.
"The two sides met to parley about a possible ceasefire."
Formal and literary; usually describes negotiations between adversaries or parties in conflict.
A formal discussion or negotiation between opposing sides.
"The government agreed to a parley with the opposition."
Often historical or ceremonial in tone, especially when referring to negotiations during a war.
The noun is countable when referring to a particular meeting, discussion, or agreement.
"Several parleys were held before the dispute was resolved."
A parley began as simply a formal talk, but the word became especially associated with negotiations between enemies who had chosen war rather than diplomacy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parley come from?
The word comes through Anglo-French from Old French parler, meaning “to speak” or “to talk,” ultimately from Latin parlare, “to speak.” In Middle English, “parley” referred broadly to discussion, conversation, or a conference. Its sense of negotiating with an enemy developed from that earlier general meaning of speech and conference. The same broad Latin root is reflected in cognates such as “parlance,” “parliament,” and “parlour,” although their modern meanings have developed independently.
Related word forms
How parley is actually used
The word has a formal, often literary or historical tone. In modern usage, it most often suggests negotiation between adversaries or parties in conflict, and it can sound deliberately ceremonial or old-fashioned.