First Known Use: circa 1550
Dictionary
parenthesis
noun pa·ren·the·sis \pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs\
: one of a pair of marks ( ) that are used around a word, phrase, sentence, number, etc.
plural pa·ren·the·ses\-ˌsēz\
Full Definition of PARENTHESIS
1
a : an amplifying or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation b : a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression
3
: one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression
— par·en·thet·i·cal \ˌper-ən-ˈthe-ti-kəl, pa-rən-\ also par·en·thet·ic \-tik\ adjective
— par·en·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of PARENTHESIS
Late Latin, from Greek, literally, act of inserting, from parentithenai to insert, from para- + en- en- + tithenai to place — more at do
Related to PARENTHESIS
- Synonyms
- discontinuity, hiatus, hiccup (also hiccough), interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, interstice, interval, gap
- Antonyms
- continuation, continuity
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
PARENTHESIS Defined for Kids
parenthesis
noun pa·ren·the·sis \pə-ˈren-thə-səs\
plural pa·ren·the·ses \-ˌsēz\
Definition of PARENTHESIS for Kids
: one of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose a word or group of words or to group mathematical terms to be dealt with as a unit
— par·en·thet·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
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