Parenthesize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
✍️
parenthesize
[pɛrˈɛnθəˌsaɪz ]
Definition
in writing
To parenthesize means to enclose a word, phrase, or sentence within parentheses. This is often done to add supplementary information or to clarify a point without interrupting the main flow of a sentence.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The results (see Table 1) were encouraging.
- You should parenthesize any additional comments.
- In the equation, x (the variable) can be any number.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'parenthesize'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'parenthesize' is derived from the noun 'parenthesis', which comes from the Greek word 'parenthesis' (παρενθέσεως), meaning 'to place beside' or 'to insert'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally referring to the marks used to enclose additional information in writing. Over time, the verb form 'parenthesize' emerged, emphasizing the action of inserting parentheses around words or phrases. Parentheses are commonly used in mathematics, programming, and formal writing to clarify meaning or indicate that the enclosed material is supplementary and not essential to the main point.