parole
Parole is the permission given to a prisoner to leave prison before their sentence is finished. The person must follow specific rules and stay out of trouble to remain free.
Examples
3 of 5He is living at home now because he is on parole.
He is living at home now because he is on parole.
The state board decided to grant parole to the prisoner after ten years.
The state board decided to grant parole to the prisoner after ten years.
My neighbor is out on parole and looking for a job.
My neighbor is out on parole and looking for a job.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the French word 'Parole' which means 'word.' A prisoner is released because they give their 'word' of honor to be a good citizen.
Quick Quiz
The judge told the prisoner he would be eligible for _______ in five years.
Correct!
The correct answer is: parole
Examples
He is living at home now because he is on parole.
everydayHe is living at home now because he is on parole.
The state board decided to grant parole to the prisoner after ten years.
formalThe state board decided to grant parole to the prisoner after ten years.
My neighbor is out on parole and looking for a job.
informalMy neighbor is out on parole and looking for a job.
The study analyzes the success rates of individuals released on parole.
academicThe study analyzes the success rates of individuals released on parole.
The company policy states they do not hire people currently on parole.
businessThe company policy states they do not hire people currently on parole.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on parole
released from prison with rules to follow
life without parole
a prison sentence with no chance of early release
breach of parole
breaking the rules of early release
Often Confused With
Probation is usually a sentence instead of prison, while parole is a release after serving time in prison.
Usage Notes
Parole is most often used in legal and news contexts. It functions as both a noun (the status) and a verb (the act of releasing someone).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'parole' for any release from jail, but it specifically means a release with conditions before the sentence ends.
Memory Tip
Think of the French word 'Parole' which means 'word.' A prisoner is released because they give their 'word' of honor to be a good citizen.
Word Origin
Derived from the French phrase 'parole d'honneur,' meaning 'word of honor.'
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United States, parole hearings are a significant part of the justice system often depicted in crime dramas.
Quick Quiz
The judge told the prisoner he would be eligible for _______ in five years.
Correct!
The correct answer is: parole
Related Vocabulary
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sentenceA sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who h...
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witness
A1A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.
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