What does parenthetical mean?
Parenthetical describes a grammatical or editorial aside: material inserted within a sentence to explain, qualify, or comment on the main statement. It may refer to the function of that material, as in 'a parenthetical explanation,' or to the inserted text itself, as in 'a parenthetical note.' Parenthetical remarks are commonly enclosed in parentheses, although modern style guides sometimes favor commas, dashes, or separate sentences when the aside is substantial. The word is especially associated with formal writing, editing, academic publishing, and reference works, where clarity and careful qualification are important. It can be useful when a reader needs context without interrupting the main flow of a sentence. In everyday conversation, a parenthetical is often called an 'aside' or a 'remark,' while 'parenthesis' refers more specifically to the surrounding punctuation marks.
Relating to or serving as a parenthesis; inserted as an aside or qualification within a sentence.
"The author placed a parenthetical translation after the original phrase."
Common in formal writing, editing, and reference materials. It is also used attributively before words such as 'note,' 'remark,' and 'comment.'
A word, phrase, or remark inserted as an aside, often in parentheses, to explain or qualify the main statement.
"The editor removed an unnecessary parenthetical from the introduction."
More technical and less conversational than 'aside' or 'remark'; often used when discussing writing, editing, or grammar.
The plural is used for separate inserted remarks or comments, especially in discussions of writing and editing.
"The author included several parentheticals to clarify unfamiliar terms."
A parenthetical is a linguistic side note: it pauses the main sentence to add context without starting a new one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of parenthetical
The word comes from the adjective 'parenthetical,' which is derived from 'parenthesis.' 'Parenthesis' comes from Greek parenthēskē, from parentēgmos, 'a putting into parenthesis,' and ultimately from the Greek verb parentēgmos, related to parentēsai, 'to put in parentheses.' The term entered English through the language of printing and grammar, where it referred to material placed within a sentence or text. The related noun 'parenthesis' retains the same Greek root and the same broad sense of an inserted aside.
Related word forms
How parenthetical is actually used
The adjective is common in writing, editing, and reference work. As a noun, it is often used in technical contexts such as grammar, typography, and academic publishing. In general use, the shorter and more conversational word 'aside' is often preferred.
Easily confused with parenthetical
A parenthesis is the punctuation mark used to enclose an aside, whereas a parenthetical is the word or phrase serving as the aside itself.