parentheses

A student uses parentheses to add extra information in a sentence.

Definition

1. Noun (plural: parentheses):
   • A punctuation mark: "parentheses" are a pair of round brackets ( ) used to enclose additional or explanatory information within a sentence.
   • The enclosed content: "parentheses" can also refer to the words or phrase set off by these brackets.
   • An interlude: In a figurative sense, "parentheses" means an interval or digression inserted into a main event or narrative.

Usage Examples

• Punctuation mark:

  • Please put the date in parentheses. (Use round brackets to enclose the date.)
  • The author used parentheses to add a comment. (The brackets set off a remark.)

• Enclosed content:

  • The parentheses in that sentence contain a helpful note. (The words inside the brackets provide extra information.)

• Figurative interlude:

  • The brief conversation was a parentheses in the meeting. (The talk was a temporary digression.)

Advanced Usage

• "in parentheses": as an aside or additional remark.

  • He mentioned, in parentheses, that he would be late. (He added the comment as a side note.)

• "parenthetical expression": a phrase set off by parentheses.

  • Her parenthetical expression clarified the main point. (The bracketed phrase explained further.)

Variants and Related Words

• Parenthesis (noun, singular): one of the marks or the enclosed material.

  • Use a parenthesis to offset this clause. (Use one bracket, though technically a pair is needed.)

• Parenthetical (adjective): relating to or inserted as a parenthesis.

  • She made a parenthetical remark during the lecture. (She added a brief aside.)

Synonyms

• Brackets: the more general term for ( ) or [ ].
• Interjection: a word or phrase inserted into a sentence.
• Digression: a temporary departure from the main topic.

Related Idioms

• "in parentheses": used metaphorically to mean as a secondary or explanatory note.
  • Let me add, in parentheses, that the plan has changed. (As an aside, I mention this.)