Parere

Parere is an Italian verb meaning to seem or to appear, used to express a subjective assessment or impression. It is frequently found in phrases like mi pare (it seems to me) and pare che… (it seems that…), where the following clause typically uses the subjunctive mood. For example: Mi pare che sia una buona idea. Pare che arriveranno in ritardo. The verb conveys a sense of appearance or perception rather than a definite fact.

In addition to its verb use, parere also exists as a noun in formal Italian. Il parere denotes an opinion, judgment, or advisory statement produced by an individual or a body, such as a committee, commission, or expert. It is common in administrative, legal, and academic contexts. Examples include parere favorevole (favorable opinion) or parere contrario (opposite opinion). The noun is used with definite or indefinite articles, e.g., un parere, il parere del consiglio.

Etymologically, parere derives from Latin parēre, meaning to appear or to be evident, a sense that carried into Italian to express appearance, impression, or opinion. In usage, parere contrasts with verbs like sembrare or apparire, which emphasize external appearance, whereas parere focuses more on subjective judgment or evaluative sense.

Parere is widely used across Italian registers, from everyday speech to formal discourse. In everyday language, it often substitutes for sembra or sembra che, while in formal writing or bureaucratic contexts the noun parere frequently appears to indicate an official opinion or recommendation.