parrots - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
parrots Word Meanings
- a bright colorful tropical bird that can mimic human speech
- to imitate or repeat someone exactly, often without thinking
- a person who repeats others' words without adding ideas; to parrot
parrots Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
parrots Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpær.ət/
US
/ˈpɛr.ət/
parrots Word Etymology
Root decomposition: prefix/suffix: none; root: parrot. Historical origin: from Latin psittacus via Old French perroquet/parroquet, ultimately from Greek psittakos meaning parrot. Memory image: imagine a bright tropical parrot perched on a desk, repeating your words exactly, while a Greek statue and a Latin scroll remind you of the roots.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Parrot is a bright tropical bird that can mimic human speech, often kept as a pet or found in zoos. As a verb, parrot means to imitate or repeat someone exactly, usually without adding new ideas. In everyday speech, people say a trainee parrots their mentor, or a colleague parrots the boss, to describe mindless repetition. The figurative sense can carry a critical tone when someone repeats gossip or slogans rather than sharing original thoughts. The word has roots in Latin psittacus, passed through Old French perroquet/parroquet, and from Greek psittakos meaning parrot. A memory cue helps: imagine a colorful parrot perched on a desk, echoing every word you say.
Usage Reminders
- Use parrot as both a noun and a verb. Think of exact repetition, not understanding. Distinguish from related birds (parakeet, macaw). In formal writing, prefer imitate or repeat exactly rather than parrot. When describing people, note tone (neutral vs critical). Practice common collocations with parrot verbs and nouns.
Common Misconceptions
- Parrot strictly means the bird, not a person who imitates.
- Parrot as a verb always needs an object (parroting someone).
- Parrot cannot be used to describe mimicking slogans or ideas.
- Parrot and parakeet are interchangeable.
- Parrot is only used in negative or humorous contexts.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often treat parrot as both a literal animal and a dynamic verb for exact copying; learners may overgeneralize the noun to describe people or misuse the verb with incorrect object structure.
Learning Tips
- Practice both senses: noun (the bird) and verb (to imitate).
- Learn common collocations: parrot back, parrot someone’s words.
- Watch for tone: parrot can sound neutral or critical.
- Compare with synonyms: imitate, mimic, copy exactly.
- Memorize the etymology to reinforce memory cues.
- Create small dialogues using both noun and verb uses.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App