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Parenthesis: meaning, definitions and examples

πŸ“–
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parenthesis

 

[ pΙ™ΛˆrΙ›nΞΈΙ™sΙͺs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

punctuation mark

A parenthesis is a pair of round brackets ( ) used to separate off a part of a sentence. This part is not essential to the sentence but adds additional information or clarification.

Synonyms

bracket, insertion, interruption

Examples of usage

  • The teacher explained the concept (even though it was difficult) clearly.
  • Please submit your application (including all necessary documents) by Friday.
  • The book (which I borrowed from the library) is fascinating.

Etymology

The word 'parenthesis' comes from the Greek word 'parenthesis', which means 'to place beside'. The roots of the word are 'para' meaning 'beside' and 'enthesis' meaning 'putting in'. The term was adopted into English in the late 16th century and has been used to describe the function of this punctuation mark in writing, which serves to insert additional information without disrupting the main flow of a sentence. As written language evolved, so did the usage of parentheses, becoming an essential tool for writers to add clarifications, examples, or explanations. The formal use of parentheses in academic and literary contexts underscores their significance in enriching written discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,845, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.