Parenthesize: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Greek word 'parenthesis', meaning 'to place in beside or within.'
• In Latin, 'parenthesis' means 'a putting in,' illustrating how the term evolved over time.
• The action of placing text in parentheses started gaining popularity in the late 16th century.

Grammar

• Parentheses serve the function of providing additional context or information without disrupting the main sentence.
• In mathematical expressions, parentheses indicate the order of operations, helping to clarify which calculations to perform first.
• Overusing parentheses can lead to confusion; it's best to use them sparingly for clarity.

Literature

• Writers often use parentheses to add asides or commentary, allowing for a casual tone or humor in their writing.
• In poetry, parentheses may encapsulate thoughts, creating a secondary layer of meaning within a line.
• Some authors creatively manipulate the use of parentheses to challenge traditional narrative structures.

Mathematics

• In math, parentheses are crucial; they change the outcome of equations – (2 + 3) × 4 is different from 2 + (3 × 4).
• The use of nested parentheses can get complicated, requiring careful attention to ensure correct interpretation.
• Parentheses indicate grouping in set theory, showing which elements belong together.

Psychology

• How information is presented, including the use of parentheses, can affect comprehension and interpretation.
• Studies suggest that information presented in parentheses can create a distraction or serve an emphasis, influencing how we remember it.
• The human brain interprets parenthetical information as secondary, which may affect the priority given to that information.