B2nounformal1K

Parliament

UK /["/ˈpɑːləmənt/"]/US /["/ˈpɑːrləmənt/"]/

Definition

the group of people who are elected to make and change the laws of a country

In simple words: A group of people who make laws for a country.

Examples

  • The Parliament of the United Kingdom is located in Westminster.
  • Many citizens believe that Parliament does not represent their interests.
  • The decision will be debated in Parliament next week.
  • In some countries, Parliament consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • The Parliament passed a new law aimed at reducing pollution.
  • During the session, Parliament heard from various experts on the issue.

Usage notes

Used primarily in political contexts. Appropriate for discussions about government and law-making. Avoid using it in casual conversations that don't relate to government.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'parliament' as a 'pal-amend' — a friendly group that amends laws.

Collocations

  • current
  • present
  • new
  • stand for
  • enter
  • get into
  • adopt something
  • approve something
  • enact something
  • building
  • chamber
  • minister
  • in parliament
  • an Act of Parliament
  • a house of parliament
  • the lifetime of a parliament
  • current
  • present
  • new
  • stand for
  • enter
  • get into
  • adopt something
  • approve something
  • enact something
  • building
  • chamber
  • minister
  • in parliament
  • an Act of Parliament
  • a house of parliament
  • the lifetime of a parliament
  • current
  • present
  • new
  • stand for
  • enter
  • get into
  • adopt something
  • approve something
  • enact something
  • building
  • chamber
  • minister
  • in parliament
  • an Act of Parliament
  • a house of parliament
  • the lifetime of a parliament

Synonyms

  • legislature
  • assembly
  • congress
  • council
  • senate

Antonyms

  • dictatorship
  • autocracy
  • monarchy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'government' - parliament is part of the government.
  • Incorrectly used as a verb; 'parliament' is a noun.
  • Mixing up with 'parliamentary' which refers to related systems or styles.