parenthesis — either of a pair of round brackets ( ) used to mark off an explanatory or qualifying remark in writing or printing
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: either of a pair of round brackets ( ) used to mark off an explanatory or qualifying remark in writing or printing
Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈrenθəsɪs/
Example Sentences
- My math teacher said to check our answers (but secretly hoped we'd all fail).
- Please write your phone number in parentheses after your name.
- The recipe calls for sugar (lots of it) and flour.
parenthesis
NOUN[/pəˈrenθəsɪs/]
either of a pair of round brackets ( ) used to mark off an explanatory or qualifying remark in writing or printing
Brackets that enclose explanations
Within parenthesis, hypothesis meets synthesis!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek, combining 'para' (beside) and 'en' (in) with 'thesis' (placing). The term originally meant 'something placed beside or inserted' and evolved to denote a phrase or clause inserted into a sentence, or the punctuation marks enclosing such insertions.
Breakdown
para- (beside) + en- (in) + -thesis (placing, setting). The compound literally means 'placing beside/within,' referring to material inserted alongside or within main text.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My math teacher said to check our answers (but secretly hoped we'd all fail).”
“Please write your phone number in parentheses after your name.”
“The recipe calls for sugar (lots of it) and flour.”
“My bank account balance (unfortunately zero) needs immediate attention.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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