Parallels refer to lines or concepts that run alongside each other without intersecting. In geography, parallels are lines of latitude that measure the distance north or south of the equator. They help in mapping and navigation, providing a framework for understanding the Earth's surface. In a broader context, parallels can also describe similarities between different situations, events, or ideas. For example, one might draw parallels between historical events, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, highlighting how they share common themes of struggle for freedom and change.