PARENTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Parenthesis (noun):
1. A punctuation mark, symbolized by "(" and ")" (round brackets or parentheses), used to set off additional information or a digression within a sentence, indicating an interruption or clarification. The information enclosed within the parentheses is considered non-essential to the sentence's main structure, and its removal does not affect the sentence's grammatical correctness or overall clarity. For example, in the sentence "She bought a new dress (her favorite color) for the party," the information within the parentheses provides additional detail about the dress's color.
2. In rhetorical terms, parenthesis refers to the insertion of words, phrases, or sentences that are grammatically unrelated to the main idea or thought in a text, but provide an additional comment, clarification, or deviation from the main theme. This technique is often used for emphasis, humor, or to provide background information. For instance, in the sentence "The dog, known for its loyalty and faithfulness (especially towards children), is considered a popular family pet."
3. In mathematical expressions or equations, parentheses are used to indicate the specific order of operations or to enclose a group of terms. Parentheses in mathematics serve to clarify the intended calculations and prevent ambiguity.
Overall, parentheses serve to provide additional information or clarification, add emphasis or commentary, and indicate separation or hierarchy within a sentence or written expression.
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An explanatory or qualifying clause inserted into a sentence without being grammatically connected with it, and which is frequently marked off by the upright curves ( ), often by the dash (-), or simply by a comma.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PARENTHESIS *
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Other Common Misspellings for PARENTHESIS
Etymology of PARENTHESIS
The word "parenthesis" comes from the Greek word "parenthesis", which means "to place beside" or "to insert". The word is derived from the Greek roots "para" meaning "beside" and "en" meaning "in". The term originally referred to the use of curved lines in writing to mark off a group of words inserted into a sentence for clarification, as if placing them beside the main sentence. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include the punctuation marks "(" and ")" themselves, along with the text enclosed within them.
Similar spelling words for PARENTHESIS
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