Parenthesis

usgb/pəˈrenθəsɪs/
noun

A pair of round brackets () used to include extra information or a comment that is not part of the main statement.

He was born in 1980 (the same year as me).
Visual representation of "parenthesis" - A pair of round brackets () used to include extra information or a comment that is not part of the main statement

Often appears as...

  • open parenthesis
  • close parenthesis
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "parenthesis"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Additional Info

Parentheses can add non-essential details that enrich the main point.

Illustration for Additional Info
The cake recipe (which won an award) is quite complex.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Clarity in Writing

Use parentheses to avoid cluttering the sentence with commas.

Illustration for Clarity in Writing
The ingredients – sugar, flour, and butter (among others) – are combined.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasis Reduction

Information in parentheses is de-emphasized, signaling it's secondary.

Illustration for Emphasis Reduction
He finally answered (after several reminders) the email.
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Compare with

amplificationbracketdeparturedigressionenclosureexemplificationinterlude
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Visual representation of the word "Parenthesis"

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