parenthesis
UK: pəˈrɛnθɪsɪs | US: pəˈrɛnθəsɪs
n. a word, phrase, or clause inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage that is grammatically complete without it, typically marked off by brackets, dashes, or commas.
n. either of a pair of marks ( ) used to enclose such a word, phrase, or clause.
The word "parenthesis" originates from Greek parentithenai, meaning "to put in beside." It combines para- (beside) + en- (in) + tithenai (to place). The morpheme paren reflects the idea of "beside," while thesi derives from the Greek root for "placing." The suffix -sis forms a noun, indicating the act or result of placing something beside. Over time, the term evolved in Late Latin as parenthesis and entered English in the 16th century, narrowing to its grammatical sense of an inserted remark or the marks ( ) enclosing it.
The author added a humorous comment in parentheses.
Always close your parentheses to avoid confusing the reader.
The technical details were included as a parenthesis in the report.
She paused, inserting a quick parenthesis to clarify her point.
In mathematics, parentheses are used to group operations.