parenthetical — given as an explanation or afterthought; inserted as a parenthesis
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: given as an explanation or afterthought; inserted as a parenthesis
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpærənˈθetɪkəl/
Example Sentences
- His parenthetical joke (which nobody laughed at) made the meeting even more awkward.
- The professor's parenthetical observations often contained the most important information.
- She whispered a parenthetical 'good luck' before the presentation began.
parenthetical
ADJECTIVE[/ˌpærənˈθetɪkəl/]
given as an explanation or afterthought; inserted as a parenthesis
Adding an explanatory side note
Between theoretical explanations, a parenthetical note makes the hypothetical clear!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'parenthetos', formed from the combination of 'para' (beside), 'en' (in), and 'tithenai' (to place). Originally describing something inserted alongside or within a text, it evolved to denote supplementary or qualifying information placed within a sentence.
Breakdown
para- (beside) + en- (in) + -thesis (placement, from tithenai 'to place') + -ical (adjective suffix). The Greek 'parenthetos' literally means 'placed beside/within', and the English adjective adds -ical to modify nouns.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His parenthetical joke (which nobody laughed at) made the meeting even more awkward.”
“The professor's parenthetical observations often contained the most important information.”
“She whispered a parenthetical 'good luck' before the presentation began.”
“His parenthetical comment about pizza (during a serious budget meeting) showed where his priorities were.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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