parenthesis

noun
UK: /pəˈren.θə.sɪs/
US: /pəˈren.θə.sɪs/

  1. A word, phrase, or sentence added to a passage as an explanation or afterthought that is marked off by curved brackets, dashes, or commas.

    1. I added a parenthesis to clarify my point about dogs.
    2. The author used a parenthesis to provide additional context regarding the historical event.

  2. One of a pair of curved marks ( ) used in writing to separate an explanation or additional information from the main part of the text.

    1. The sentence includes a word in parenthesis to clarify its meaning.
    2. Use parenthesis to enclose dates or clarifying information within the text of the report.

Synonyms

aside interpolation bracket
parenthesis transitive-verb

  1. To insert as a parenthesis.

    1. He parenthesised the date in the sentence.
    2. The editor decided to parenthesis the clarification for improved readability.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "parenthesis" in English means: A word, phrase, or sentence added to a passage as an explanation or afterthought that is marked off by curved brackets, dashes, or commas., One of a pair of curved marks ( ) used in writing to separate an explanation or additional information from the main part of the text..

The phonetic transcription of "parenthesis" is /pəˈren.θə.sɪs/ in British English and /pəˈren.θə.sɪs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "parenthesis": aside, interpolation, bracket.

Example usage of "parenthesis": "I added a parenthesis to clarify my point about dogs.". More examples on the page.