parenthetical

[ par-uhn-thet-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, noting, or of the nature of a parenthesis:

   several unnecessary parenthetic remarks.

2. characterized by the use of parentheses.

Other Words From

• par·en·thet·i·cal·i·ty [par-, uh, n-thet-i-, kal, -i-tee], par·en·thet·i·cal·ness noun
• par·en·thet·i·cal·ly adverb
• in·ter·par·en·thet·ic adjective
• in·ter·par·en·thet·i·cal adjective
• un·par·en·thet·ic adjective
• un·par·en·thet·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenthetical¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Greek parénthet(os) “interpolated” (verbid of parentithénai, equivalent to par- par- + en- en- ² + the-, variant stem of tithénai “to put” + -tos verbal adjective suffix) + -ic + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Even buried in a parenthetical as it is, the word “mandamus” jumps off the page as a threat to seek an extraordinary intervention by the appellate court.

From Seattle Times

Later, Cyrus performed the song live for the first time, adding some parenthetical asides to the lyrics.

From BBC

Mitchell included that parenthetical "and men" to put a pseudo-egalitarian gloss on this puritanical crackdown, but his actual behavior suggests he's a big fan of the sexual double standard, or worse.

From Salon

Today’s playlist is devoted to one of my absolute favorite musical conventions: the parenthetical song title.

From New York Times

Tell me about those interviews and parenthetical asides.

From Los Angeles Times