Word
parenthesis
Phoneticsparen·the·sis
US/pɝˈɛnθəsɪs/
UK/pəɹˈɛnθəsˌɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. one of the two curved marks ( ) that you put around extra words or numbers in a sentence. You use it to add small extra information without breaking the main idea.
n. one of a pair of curved brackets ( ) used to enclose supplementary words, figures, or clauses within a sentence or expression. By extension, refers to the inserted aside itself.
Examples
“She adds a parenthesis to explain the date.”
“The teacher puts the extra detail in a parenthesis so the main sentence stays clear.”
“The editor removes the parenthesis around the birth year to let the sentence flow without interruption.”
Examples
simple
“She adds a parenthesis to explain the date.”
contextual
“The teacher puts the extra detail in a parenthesis so the main sentence stays clear.”
complex
“The editor removes the parenthesis around the birth year to let the sentence flow without interruption.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “parenthesis” in context.
Verb
01. appear in parenthesis
“The abbreviation should appear in parenthesis after the full term.”
verb + prep + noun
02. close parenthesis
“Close the parenthesis after the page number.”
verb + noun
03. insert parenthesis
“Insert a parenthesis around the abbreviation on first use.”
verb + noun
04. open parenthesis
“Open a parenthesis before you add the translator's note.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. empty parenthesis
“The template shows an empty parenthesis where you add the year.”
adj + noun
06. left parenthesis
“Type a left parenthesis before the extra information in the sentence.”
adj + noun
07. nested parenthesis
“Avoid a nested parenthesis in formal writing as it confuses readers.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. pair of parentheses
“Always use a pair of parentheses, not a single mark.”
noun + prep + noun
09. add detail in parentheses
“You can add detail in parentheses without breaking the flow.”
10. close the parenthesis
“Close the parenthesis after you write the acronym.”
11. enclosed in parentheses
“The pronunciation guide is enclosed in parentheses.”
12. open a parenthesis
“Open a parenthesis here to add the original year of publication.”
Usage
Plural is 'parentheses'; the plural often refers to the pair of marks together.
Pitfall
a parentheses to explain
a parenthesis to explain
Parenthesis is singular; parentheses is the plural form.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Late Latin parenthesis (“addition of a letter to a syllable in a word”), itself borrowed from Ancient Greek παρένθεσις (parénthesis, “insertion”). By surface analysis, par- + en- + thesis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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