parenthesis

noun

pa·​ren·​the·​sis pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
plural parentheses pə-ˈren(t)-thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
1
a
: an amplifying (see amplify sense 1) or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation
explained further in a parenthesis
b
: a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression
The speaker inserted some often amusing parentheses during his speech.
2
: interlude, interval
The parenthesis of war interrupted the course of his life.
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
The plant's common name is followed by its Latin name in parentheses.

Examples of parenthesis in a Sentence

there was a parenthesis of silence when the microphone momentarily lost power
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beer names are listed in parentheses next to each brewery. Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Oct. 2024 Finally, the comet's discoverer is listed in parenthesis. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 Indicate in parentheses what archetypes they each other. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 The gross totals listed in parenthesis represent an estimate of all earnings before fees. Matt Craig, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parenthesis 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, act of inserting, from parentithenai to insert, from para- + en- en- + tithenai to place — more at do

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenthesis was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near parenthesis

Cite this Entry

“Parenthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthesis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

parenthesis

noun
pa·​ren·​the·​sis pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
plural parentheses -thə-ˌsēz How to pronounce parenthesis (audio)
1
: a word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage to explain or comment on it
2
: one of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose a parenthesis or to group units in a mathematical expression
parenthetic
ˌpar-ən-ˈthet-ik
adjective
or parenthetical
-ˈthet-i-kəl
parenthetically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on parenthesis

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