parenthesis

American  

[puh-ren-thuh-sis] / pəˈrɛn θə sɪs /

noun

plural

parentheses

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.

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parenthesis British  

/ ˌpærənˈθɛtɪk, pəˈrɛnθɪsɪs /

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 called: bracket.  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. inserted as a parenthesis

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Other Word Forms

• parenthetic adjective
• parenthetically adverb

Etymology

Origin of parenthesis

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

Example Sentences

It’s followed by parentheses that hold plain descriptions — red chapel relief; oil can; or, folding table and chairs, dark brown.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s less jarring than parentheses but a bigger interruption than commas.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are listed in ascending order of their trailing-month returns, which are displayed in the parentheses.

From MarketWatch

It will always be a melter of a slow jam, but its intention is in those parentheses – to be in the sensation of aliveness he’s created.

From Salon

Unlike periods and commas, em dashes aren’t integral to sentence structure; they’re a considered choice that can, but by no means have to, take the place of commas, parentheses and semicolons.

From Salon