What does parenthesis mean?
A parenthesis is an explanatory or qualifying insertion within a larger sentence, such as a brief note about a technical detail or a qualification of a claim. It is commonly enclosed by round brackets, although commas, dashes, and other punctuation may also be used depending on style and context. The word can refer either to the inserted material or to the punctuation marks surrounding it. Parentheses are useful because they add information without interrupting the main argument as strongly as a separate sentence would, though excessive use can make writing harder to follow. The related adjective 'parenthetical' describes something serving this function. Together, these terms are familiar in academic, editorial, and general prose, where brief clarifications are often needed without diverting attention from the main point.
nounA word, phrase, or remark inserted into a sentence as an explanation or qualification, usually set off by punctuation. The term can also refer to the marks used to enclose such an insertion.
- An explanatory or qualifying word, phrase, or remark inserted into a sentence.
- A pair of punctuation marks, usually round brackets, used to enclose an inserted explanation.
- A subordinate qualification or aside in a statement or discussion.
"The editor added a brief parenthesis explaining the technical term."
"In parenthesis, the author notes that the figures were later revised."
"The company's name appears in parenthesis immediately after the product title."
The standard plural of 'parenthesis' is 'parentheses,' pronounced /pəˈrɛnθəsiːz/.
"Several explanatory parentheses interrupt the otherwise straightforward paragraph."
A parenthesis is a sentence's way of stepping briefly outside the main thought without losing the thread.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of parenthesis
The word comes from Greek parenthesis, meaning 'a placing beside' or 'something inserted,' from para- 'beside' and thesis 'placing' or 'setting down.' It entered English through Latin and was used for an explanatory insertion in a sentence. Its familiar sense for the punctuation marks developed alongside the word's grammatical meaning, while the related forms 'parenthetical' and 'parenthetically' continue the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How parenthesis is actually used
In formal writing, 'parenthesis' is commonly used for the punctuation marks themselves, while 'parenthetical' often describes the inserted material. The plural is 'parentheses,' pronounced /pəˈrɛnθəsiːz/.
Easily confused with parenthesis
A parenthesis is an inserted phrase or the punctuation enclosing it, whereas parenthetical describes a word or phrase inserted for explanation or qualification.