Parenthesis

Pronunciation: /pəˈrɛnθəsɪs/

Definitions of parenthesis

noun A word or phrase that is used to explain or add information to a sentence, usually enclosed in brackets, dashes, or commas.

Example Sentences

A1 I always use parenthesis when writing a list of items.

A2 In math, parenthesis are used to indicate the order of operations.

B1 Please remember to include the information in the parenthesis when citing a source.

B2 The writer added a humorous comment in the parenthesis to lighten the mood.

C1 The lawyer carefully reviewed the legal document, paying close attention to the details within the parenthesis.

C2 The researcher included additional data in the parenthesis to provide more context for the study.

Examples of parenthesis in a Sentence

formal It is important to use parentheses to set off additional information within a sentence.

informal Don't forget to add parentheses around the date in your essay.

slang I always use those round brackets (parentheses) when I'm texting.

figurative The parentheses in her speech hinted at a deeper meaning underlying her words.

Grammatical Forms of parenthesis

• past tense: parenthesized
• plural: parentheses
• comparative: more parenthetical
• superlative: most parenthetical
• present tense: parenthesizing
• future tense: will parenthesize
• perfect tense: have parenthesized
• continuous tense: is parenthesizing
• singular: parenthesis
• positive degree: parenthetical
• infinitive: to parenthesize
• gerund: parenthesizing
• participle: parenthesized

Origin and Evolution of parenthesis

First Known Use: 1548 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'parenthesis' originated from the Greek word 'parénthesis', which means 'insertion'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of rhetoric to denote a phrase inserted into a passage for emphasis or clarification, the word 'parenthesis' has evolved to also refer to the punctuation marks ( ) used to set off such phrases in writing.