# parole

/pɝˈoʊɫ/ (US) · /pəɹˈəʊl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parole
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. conditional release from prison

noun · CEFR B2

the release of a prisoner before their full sentence is over, as long as they follow certain rules.

For teachers: the conditional release of a convict before the expiration of a custodial sentence, subject to supervision and specific requirements of conduct.

- He was released on parole after serving five years of his ten-year sentence.
- The board granted him parole after considering his exemplary behaviour and the low risk of recidivism presented by his current psychological profile.

Usage: Usually used with the preposition 'on'.

### 2. word of honour

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a promise or word of honour, especially one given by a prisoner of war not to fight again.

For teachers: a person's word of honour or solemn promise, historically used by prisoners of war to secure release by promising not to take up arms again.

- The captured officer gave his parole that he would not attempt to escape.
- In the eighteenth century, an officer's parole was considered a sacred bond that allowed him a degree of freedom even while in enemy territory.

Teaching tip: This sense is largely restricted to historical literature and period dramas; modern speakers almost exclusively use the legal sense.

### 3. language in use

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the way people actually speak in real life, rather than the rules of a language system.

For teachers: the actual linguistic acts or speech of individuals, contrasted with 'langue' (the abstract system of language).

- The professor explained the difference between the rules of grammar and actual parole.
- Saussurean linguistics distinguishes between 'langue', the collective system of signs, and 'parole', the individual execution of those signs in speech.

Usage: Often used in contrast with the French term 'langue'.

### 4. to release a prisoner

verb · CEFR B2

to allow a prisoner to leave jail early under special rules.

For teachers: to release a convict from prison on the condition of good behaviour and regular reporting to an officer.

- The judge decided to parole the inmate because he had shown great progress.
- The state rarely chooses to parole offenders who have committed violent crimes without a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

## Examples

- He was released on parole after serving five years.
- The board granted her parole because she showed genuine remorse and had a clean record in prison.
- Legal experts argue that the parole system provides a necessary incentive for rehabilitation, though critics often worry about the risks of recidivism among those released early.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.