parenthesis

[ puh-ren-thuh-sis ]

noun

, plural pa·ren·the·ses [p, uh, -, ren, -th, uh, -seez].

1. either or both of a pair of signs ( ) used in writing to mark off an interjected explanatory or qualifying remark, to indicate separate groupings of symbols in mathematics and symbolic logic, etc.
2. Usually parentheses. the material contained within these marks.
3. Grammar. a qualifying, explanatory, or appositive word, phrase, clause, or sentence that interrupts a syntactic construction without otherwise affecting it, having often a characteristic intonation and indicated in writing by commas, parentheses, or dashes, as in William Smith—you must know him—is coming tonight.
4. an interval.

parenthesis

/ pəˈrɛnθɪsɪs; ˌpærənˈθɛtɪk /

noun

1. a phrase, often explanatory or qualifying, inserted into a passage with which it is not grammatically connected, and marked off by brackets, dashes, etc
2. Also calledbracket either of a pair of characters, (), used to enclose such a phrase or as a sign of aggregation in mathematical or logical expressions
3. an intervening occurrence; interlude; interval
4. in parenthesis
   in parenthesis inserted as a parenthesis

Derived Forms

• ˌparenˈthetically, adverb
• parenthetic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenthesis¹

1560–70; < Late Latin < Greek parénthesis a putting in beside. See par-, en- ², thesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenthesis¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek: something placed in besides, from parentithenai, from para- ¹+ en- ² + tithenai to put

Example Sentences

The attack on the World Trade Center's towers (and on the Pentagon, that breathtaking parenthesis) was a brilliant act of jujitsu.

From The Daily Beast

“When you have a food label and see quite a lot of parenthesis—first tip that your food may be highly fabricated,” she says.

From The Daily Beast

He drops the parenthesis about the great Variety of entertaining Incidents, and he diminishes these engaging Scenes to it.

From Project Gutenberg

What a tendency there is to round off a narrative into falsehood; or else by parenthesis to destroy its pith and continuity.

From Project Gutenberg

Page 365: closing parenthesis added after "particular shape"

From Project Gutenberg

Page 388: closing parenthesis added after "assumption of omniscience"

From Project Gutenberg

Let me tell you in a parenthesis that he is going to the army to join the King.

From Project Gutenberg