noun

parenthesis

puh-REN-thuh-sis

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Parenthesis (noun) means a word, phrase or clause inserted into a sentence as an aside or explanation, usually set off by brackets, commas or dashes. Example: “The phrase "as far as I know" is a parenthesis in the middle of her sentence.”

noun

A word, phrase or clause inserted into a sentence as an aside or explanation, usually set off by brackets, commas or dashes.

"The phrase "as far as I know" is a parenthesis in the middle of her sentence."

"He added a short parenthesis to explain the unfamiliar term."

"The sentence still makes sense if you remove the parenthesis."

Either of a pair of round brackets used to enclose extra text or to group terms in an expression.

"Close the parenthesis after the last number."

"She forgot to type the second parenthesis."

"Put the amount in parentheses, so the reader can see it is extra information."

How to use parenthesis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn aside in a sentence, or the round brackets that mark it.

When to use it

In everyday British English people usually say brackets for the punctuation marks.

Memory tip

The singular ends in -sis and the plural ends in -ses, so you write one parenthesis and two parentheses.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

in parenthesis open parenthesis close parenthesis pair of parentheses

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The phrase "as far as I know" is a _____ in the middle of her sentence.

Etymology

English borrowed the word from Late Latin parenthesis, which came from Koine Greek. The Greek word was built from parts meaning beside, in and placing. The plural, parentheses, was borrowed from Late Latin in the same way.

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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paren aside divagation excursus digression

Related words

off away apart aside remark diversion deviation excursion

Rhymes for parenthesis

thesis nemesis genesis exegesis diaeresis anamnesis apheresis synthesis antithesis epenthesis hypothesis prosthesis

See all rhymes for parenthesis →

Frequently asked questions

What is a parenthesis?

It is an extra word, phrase or clause put into a sentence as an aside. The word also names the round brackets that often mark it off.

What is the plural of parenthesis?

The plural is parentheses.

Is a parenthesis the same as a bracket?

Often, yes. The word usually means a round bracket, though brackets can also be square ones.

What is the meaning of parenthesis?

"parenthesis" (noun) means a word, phrase or clause inserted into a sentence as an aside or explanation, usually set off by brackets, commas or dashes.

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off away apart aside remark diversion deviation excursion