para-
Greek for beside
Para- is a prefix with two main clusters of meaning.
One suggests alongside, beside, or beyond: parallel, paranormal, parachute (protection beside or against falling).
The other indicates a protective or auxiliary role: paramedic, paralegal, paramilitary—someone who works alongside professionals without full credentials.
In chemistry, para- designates a specific molecular arrangement in benzene rings.
Trained aide to professionals
- parasolHandheld shade device
- parapetLow wall at edge
- parenthesisPunctuation enclosing supplementary text
- parishLocal church community
parasympathetic · paralinguistic · parataxis · parasailing · paragliding
Handheld shade device
- parapetLow wall at edge
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- paradeCeremonial public procession
- paramountOf supreme significance
paranoid · paratrooper · paradrop · parafoil · paracord · pararescue
Loss of muscle function
- paraplegiaLower body immobility
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- parasomniaAbnormal behavior while sleeping
- paresthesiaAbnormal skin sensation
paracetamol · parasympathetic · paroxysm · paralytic · parasitology · paramedicine · parainfluenza · paraphilia
Study of extrasensory phenomena
Military aerial deployer
- parachutistOne who descends by canopy
- paradropDelivery via parachute
- pararescueMilitary search-and-rescue specialty
- paracordBraided nylon utility cord
paraprofessional
Trained aide to professionals
- parasolHandheld shade device
- parapetLow wall at edge
- parenthesisPunctuation enclosing supplementary text
parish · parasympathetic · paralinguistic · parataxis · parasailing · paragliding
parasol
Handheld shade device
paramount · paranoid · paratrooper · paradrop · parafoil · paracord · pararescue
paralysis
Loss of muscle function
- paraplegiaLower body immobility
- paranoiaIrrational persecution fears
- parasomniaAbnormal behavior while sleeping
paresthesia · paracetamol · parasympathetic · paroxysm · paralytic · parasitology · paramedicine · parainfluenza · paraphilia · paratyphoid
parapsychology
Study of extrasensory phenomena
paratrooper
Military aerial deployer
- parachutistOne who descends by canopy
- paradropDelivery via parachute
- pararescueMilitary search-and-rescue specialty
para-exposed
Out in open
unprotected · unshielded · vulnerable · open · bare
- parallel parkingWedging beside the curb
- parallel parkReverse into street space
- parallel linesEquidistant throughout their length
- parallel universeHypothetical coexisting separate reality
- parallel barsTwin gymnastic rails
- paramedic servicesEmergency medical response teams
parallel, paradox, paragraph, parasite, paraphrase, paradigm, parable, parallels, parachute