Parenthesis

/pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A punctuation mark used to enclose additional information or an afterthought, typically a pair of round brackets ( ) or square brackets [ ].

In the equation, the term (x + y) is inside a parenthesis.

An insertion or remark, often a comment or aside, that is not essential to the main point.

He made a brief parenthesis in his speech to thank his supporters.

A period of interruption or break in a narrative or discourse.

The discussion about the project was paused for a parenthesis to address a related issue.

Derived from the Greek 'parenthesis', meaning 'to insert' or 'to put in beside'.

in parentheses

used to indicate additional information or clarification.

set off by parentheses

enclosed in parentheses to indicate it is a separate remark.

bracket

A symbol used to enclose text, similar to parentheses.

interjection

A word or phrase used to express emotion, often set apart from the main sentence.

To insert extra information.

I need to parenthesis this point in my essay.

To add a side note.

Let me parenthesis that thought for a moment.