parenthesis

pa·ren·the·sis

noun \pə-ˈren(t)-thə-səs\

plural pa·ren·the·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of PARENTHESIS

1

a : an amplifying or explanatory word, phrase, or sentence inserted in a passage from which it is usually set off by punctuation

b : a remark or passage that departs from the theme of a discourse : digression

2

: interlude, interval

3

: one or both of the curved marks ( ) used in writing and printing to enclose a parenthetical expression or to group a symbolic unit in a logical or mathematical expression

— par·en·thet·i·cal \ˌper-ən-ˈthe-ti-kəl, pa-rən-\ also par·en·thet·ic \-tik\ adjective

— par·en·thet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of PARENTHESIS

1. <regarded her husband's brief fling with a coworker as no more than a parethesis in an otherwise solid marriage>

Origin of PARENTHESIS

Late Latin, from Greek, literally, act of inserting, from parentithenai to insert, from para- + en- en- + tithenai to place — more at do

First Known Use: circa 1550

Related to PARENTHESIS

Synonyms

discontinuity, hiatus, hiccup (also hiccough), interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, interstice, interval, gap

Antonyms

continuation, continuity

Related Words

caesura, comma, interspace, lag, pause, space, time lag, window; entr'acte; bumper; adjournment, discontinuance, lapse, suspension; lull, recess, respite, rest; subinterval

Near Antonyms

continuum, run, stretch; procession, progression

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile