Parallel Universe Definition & Meaning

Definition

Etymology

Examples

parallel universe American [par-uh-lel yoo-nuh-vurs] / ˈpær əˌlɛl ˈyu nəˌvɜrs /

noun

1. Physics. any of a hypothetical collection of undetectable universes that are like our known universe but have branched off from our universe due to a quantum-level event.

2. (in cosmology) a hypothetical universe that coexists with our known universe but may operate under fundamentally different laws of physics.

3. Also called alternate universe,. Also called alternative universe. (in science fiction, fantasy, etc.) a separate universe or world that coexists with our known universe but is very different from it.

4. a realm of existence and experience that is fundamentally different from the one that most humans share; a separate reality.

   I don’t understand him—I think he lives in a parallel universe.

Etymology

Origin of parallel universe

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was accused by committee member Alun Davies of living in a "parallel universe" if he thought Scarlets supporters would cross the river Loughor to watch their rugby, or that people in Bridgend or Swansea would watch the Scarlets play in Swansea.

From BBC

Rodeo FX worked on seasons four and five of the Netflix show that follows a group of teenagers in small town America as they take on supernatural creatures and a parallel universe.

From Barron's

In a parallel universe, Francesca Jones might now be sitting at home preparing applications for university courses.

From BBC

Perhaps he has, in a parallel universe - more on that later.

From BBC

In his parallel universe he said that winning wasn't everything while his masterpiece was under construction.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.