parenthetical

American  

[par-uhn-thet-i-kuhl] / ˌpær ənˈθɛt ɪ kəl /

Also parenthetic

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, noting, or of the nature of a parenthesis.

   several unnecessary parenthetic remarks.

2. characterized by the use of parentheses.

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Other Word Forms

• interparenthetic adjective
• interparenthetical adjective
• parentheticality noun
• parenthetically adverb
• parentheticalness noun
• unparenthetic adjective
• unparenthetical adjective

Etymology

Origin of parenthetical

First recorded in 1620–30; from Greek parénthet(os) “interpolated” (verbid of parentithénai, equivalent to par- par- + en- en- ² + the-, variant stem of tithénai “to put” + -tos verbal adjective suffix) + -ic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

He acknowledges, in a parenthetical aside, that they likely aren’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Even buried in a parenthetical as it is, the word “mandamus” jumps off the page as a threat to seek an extraordinary intervention by the appellate court.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 4, 2024

Later, Cyrus performed the song live for the first time, adding some parenthetical asides to the lyrics.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2024

Today’s playlist is devoted to one of my absolute favorite musical conventions: the parenthetical song title.

From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2023

Just then, for the first time since he had lain down, Zooey, with his eyes still shut, compressed his lips—very much, as a matter of parenthetical fact, in the habitual style of his mother.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger