What does parling mean?
Parling is the present participle of parley, a word for a formal conversation or negotiation, especially one conducted by opposing parties. In modern usage, it is rare and generally appears in literary, historical, or figurative contexts. The word suggests more than ordinary conversation: it carries the implication of speaking with an adversary or negotiating terms before a conflict or disagreement continues. For example, a writer might describe ambassadors parling over a ceasefire or a company parling with regulators about a contract. Its somewhat old-fashioned tone makes it especially effective in narrative or historical prose, where it evokes diplomacy, confrontation, and the deliberate exchange of positions. Although parling is uncommon in everyday speech, it remains useful as a vivid reminder that negotiation is itself a form of verbal engagement, distinct from both casual talk and direct action.
present participleTalking or speaking, especially with an opponent in order to negotiate or arrange terms. It is the present participle of parley.
- Talking or speaking.
- Engaging in a formal negotiation with an opponent.
"The two leaders continued parling with their representatives before a final agreement was reached."
"She spent the afternoon parling with the ambassador about the terms of the treaty."
"The soldiers were tired of parling and preferred to settle the dispute directly."
Parling carries an antiquarian, diplomatic air, evoking a formal exchange between adversaries before they return to their larger conflict.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parling come from?
The word belongs to the family of parley, which comes through Middle English from Anglo-French and Old French parler, “to speak,” ultimately from Latin parlare, “to talk.” Its development reflects the older use of parley for a formal conversation between enemies or representatives. The related English words parlance and parlour also reflect the wider Latin and French tradition of speaking.
How parling is actually used
Rare and somewhat literary. It usually implies a direct exchange or negotiation, often between opposing parties, and is more common in historical writing than in everyday modern speech.
Easily confused with parling
A parley is a formal conversation or negotiation, whereas parling is the present participle of that verb and describes the act of speaking with an opponent.