Para vs. Peri — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
Para typically denotes "beside" or "closely related," while Peri means "around" or "surrounding."
Difference Between Para and Peri
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Para and Peri are both prefixes used in English, originating from Greek. While Para often suggests something that is beside or closely related to something, Peri commonly denotes the idea of surrounding or being around something.
In medical terminology, Para can refer to disorders that are closely related or adjacent. On the other hand, Peri might be used to describe structures surrounding an organ or part, such as "pericardium," which is the membrane around the heart.
In the realm of chemistry, Para is used to describe a specific arrangement of atoms, especially in disubstituted benzene rings. However, Peri is less common in chemistry but can still be found in specific contexts to indicate surrounding properties or positions.
The prefix Para also finds use in describing something that is similar to but distinct from another, like "paranormal" meaning beyond the normal. In contrast, Peri is more spatial, indicating positions around, as seen in "perimeter," which refers to the distance around a shape.
Furthermore, Para might be used in contexts that describe functions or roles that are auxiliary or additional, like "paralegal," someone who assists lawyers. Peri, on its part, usually maintains its spatial indication, such as in "periurban," referring to areas around urban regions.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Greek
Greek
Common Meaning
Beside or closely related
Around or surrounding
Usage in Medicine
Disorders adjacent or closely related
Structures surrounding an organ or part
Usage in Chemistry
Describes arrangement of atoms
Indicates surrounding properties/positions
Example Words
Paranormal, Paralegal
Perimeter, Pericardium
Compare with Definitions
Para
Beside or closely related.
The paramedic worked alongside the doctor.
Peri
Pertaining to the region around a specified body part.
The periocular area is around the eyes.
Para
Denoting a specific arrangement in chemistry.
In a para position, substituents are on opposite sides of a benzene ring.
Peri
Around or surrounding.
The periphery of the city was less crowded.
Para
Indicating a subsidiary or auxiliary function.
A paralegal assists in legal work but isn't a licensed attorney.
Peri
Indicating proximity or vicinity.
The periurban communities have a mix of city and country lifestyles.
Para
Beyond the usual or normal.
Paranormal activities baffle many scientists.
Peri
Denoting the outer or enclosing structure.
The pericardium encloses the heart.
Para
Indicating two parallel entities.
The paragraphs were in para alignment on the page.
Peri
(Persian mythology) A sprite or supernatural being.
Para
A state in northern Brazil, on the Atlantic coast at the delta of the Amazon; capital, Belém. It is a region of dense rainforest.
Peri
Peri (Persian: پری, plural پريان pariān), otherwise known as Pari in Persian culture, are exquisite, winged spirits renowned for their beauty. Originally from Persian mythology, Paris were later adopted by other cultures.
Para
(historical) A former subunit of currency in several countries in the Ottoman/Turkish and Yugoslav regions.
Peri
In Persian mythology, a beautiful and benevolent supernatural being or fairy, earlier regarded as malevolent.
Para
(medicine) A woman who has given birth or brought pregnancies to viable gestational age a certain number of times, indicated by the number prepended to this word.
Peri
An imaginary being, male or female, like an elf or fairy, represented as a descendant of fallen angels, excluded from paradise till penance is accomplished.
Para
Clipping of paragraph
Peri
A beautiful and graceful girl
Para
Clipping of paratrooper
Peri
(Persian folklore) a supernatural being descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until penance is done
Para
Clipping of paraprofessional educator
Peri
Referring to a certain period, especially of time.
The perinatal stage is crucial for both mother and child.
Para
Clipping of paraplegic
Para
Very drunk
Para
A piece of Turkish money, usually copper, the fortieth part of a piaster, or about one ninth of a cent.
Para
The southern arm of the Amazon in Brazil; also, a seaport on this arm.
Para
Short for Pará rubber.
Para
(obstetrics) the number of live-born children a woman has delivered;
The parity of the mother must be considered
A bipara is a woman who has given birth to two children
Para
100 para equal 1 dinar
Para
A soldier in the paratroops
Para
An estuary in northern Brazil into which the Tocantins River flows
Para
Port city in northern Brazil in the Amazon delta; main port and commercial center for the Amazon River basin
Common Curiosities
What's a common use of Para in medical terms?
It can refer to disorders closely related or adjacent, like "paraplegia."
Does Para always mean something auxiliary or secondary?
No, while it can mean something auxiliary, it also can denote something "beside" or "beyond the usual."
Is Peri more spatial in its definition?
Yes, it often denotes something surrounding or being around another thing.
Can Peri be used to describe time periods?
Yes, such as "perinatal," referring to the time around childbirth.
What's an example of Peri in medical terminology?
"Pericardium" refers to the membrane surrounding the heart.
What is the origin of the prefixes Para and Peri?
Both prefixes originate from Greek.
Can Para refer to something parallel?
Yes, such as in "para alignment."
Does Peri always denote something external?
Often, but not always. It mainly emphasizes the surrounding nature or proximity.
How does Peri relate to the concept of boundaries?
"Perimeter" is a word derived from Peri, indicating the distance around a shape.
Can you give an example where Para indicates a chemical arrangement?
In chemistry, "para" can describe positions on a disubstituted benzene ring.
How does Para relate to the paranormal?
"Para" in paranormal indicates something "beyond" the normal or usual.
Are both Para and Peri used in everyday English?
Yes, both are used, but the context and specific words can vary in frequency.
In which fields are Para and Peri commonly found?
Both prefixes are found in multiple fields, including medicine, chemistry, and general English.
What's an example of Para denoting similarity but distinction?
"Paralegal" refers to someone who assists in legal work but isn't a licensed attorney.
Can both prefixes be found in scientific terminologies?
Yes, both Para and Peri can be found in various scientific contexts, each with their specific meanings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
