parenthetically

[ par-uhn-thet-i-klee ]

adverb

1. Grammar. as a qualification, explanation, or additional piece of information that interrupts a phrase or sentence; between parentheses, dashes, or commas:

   Future citations of this work will be made parenthetically in the text.

2. as an aside or digression; incidentally:

   I only mention that notion parenthetically, so let’s not get into a heavy discussion of it.

   The complaint was filed by a resident who, parenthetically, has since decided to run in the upcoming school board election.

Other Words From

• in·ter·par·en·thet·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·par·en·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenthetically¹

parenthetical ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

That's what the French have figured out," before adding parenthetically, "I really think adultery is a sport in France.

From The Daily Beast

"Fred simply adores baked beans," Dolly murmured, parenthetically, hanging on her sister's words.

From Project Gutenberg

Where, in quoting a passage, we throw in parenthetically something of our own, we may use square brackets.

From Project Gutenberg

A complete sentence occurring parenthetically in a paragraph is sometimes placed within brackets.

From Project Gutenberg

All your merits he passes by parenthetically as selbstverstndlich; your sins he enlarges upon with unction.

From Project Gutenberg

It must be said, however, parenthetically, that his statistics scarcely challenge implicit confidence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• casually
• remotely