Definition

1. Noun:
   • A word, clause, or sentence inserted as an explanation, aside, or afterthought into a passage that is grammatically complete without it: A "parenthesis" is a qualifying or explanatory remark that interrupts the main flow of a sentence.
   • Either of a pair of punctuation marks, ( ), used to enclose such a remark or to group mathematical terms: The term "parenthesis" also refers to the curved brackets themselves.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Explanatory Remark):
  • His final argument (which I found unconvincing) was dismissed by the committee.
  • The weather—sunny and warm, a rare treat for March—was perfect for the picnic. (Here, the dashes function like parentheses.)
• Noun (Punctuation Marks):
  • Remember to close the parenthesis after listing the items.
  • In the equation, the numbers within the parentheses must be calculated first.

Advanced Usage

• "In parenthesis": Used to indicate that a remark is being made as an aside or interjection.
  • I should add, in parenthesis, that these figures are only estimates.
• The plural form is "parentheses". When referring to a single curved mark, it is more precise to say "a parenthesis" or "one parenthesis", but informally, people often say "a parenthesis" for the pair or "parentheses" for the marks in general.

Variants and Related Words

• Parenthetical (adj): Having the nature of, or contained within, a parenthesis; using parentheses.
  • She made a parenthetical remark about the cost.
• Parenthetically (adv): In a parenthetical manner; as an aside.
  • He noted, parenthetically, that the meeting had run long.

Synonyms

• Aside: A remark not intended to be heard by everyone; a digression.
• Digression: A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
• Bracket (specifically for the punctuation marks): A category of punctuation that includes parentheses, square brackets [], and curly braces {}.

Related Phrases

• "Put/place something in parentheses": To enclose text within ( ) marks.
  • Put the author's birth year in parentheses after his name.

Related Idioms

• "By way of parenthesis": Serving as or in the manner of an explanatory interjection.
  • He mentioned, by way of parenthesis, that the project had originally been his idea.

Noun

1. a message that departs from the main subject
2. either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material