parallel universe

American  

[par-uh-lel yoo-nuh-vurs] / ˈpær əˌlɛl ˈyu nəˌvɜrs /

noun

1. Physics.  any of a hypothetical collection of undetectable universes that are like our known universe but have branched off from our universe due to a quantum-level event.

2. (in cosmology) a hypothetical universe that coexists with our known universe but may operate under fundamentally different laws of physics.

3. Also called alternate universe,.  Also called alternative universe.  (in science fiction, fantasy, etc.) a separate universe or world that coexists with our known universe but is very different from it.

4. a realm of existence and experience that is fundamentally different from the one that most humans share; a separate reality.

   I don’t understand him—I think he lives in a parallel universe.

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Etymology

Origin of parallel universe

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

In a parallel universe, as events unfolded at Hampden Park, the Tartan Army came within a whisker of having travel plans rubber-stamped for Germany next summer, with Georgia mighty close to a late-equaliser in Norway that would have secured safe passage.

From BBC

"One comment perfectly described it as a parallel universe."

From BBC

Posting photos of the buildings on Facebook, she said a comment about a "parallel universe" was spot on.

From BBC

In this view, Barbie World exists not as a parallel universe but as an interior one, suspended within the medium of human imagination.

From Slate

"You cannot step outside of the dollar universe and operate in a parallel universe."

From Reuters