Definition

Relating to or resembling parentheses, often used to describe something that is added as an aside or that digresses from the main point.

Example

The parenthetic remarks in her essay made it difficult to follow her main argument.

Conversation

I was reading that book you recommended, and I noticed a lot of parenthetic comments.

Yeah, the author loves to digress and add extra thoughts.

It can be a bit distracting, but some of those parenthetic ideas are interesting.

True! They definitely add depth to the main story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parenthetic → It is formed from "parenthesis" (from Greek "paráthesis", meaning to place beside) and the suffix "-ic" (meaning pertaining to). The word "parenthetic" refers to something that is related to or expressed in parentheses, which are used to place additional information beside the main text.

Memory Tip

Think of 'placing beside' ('paráthesis') to remember that 'parenthetic' refers to something that is related to additional information set apart in parentheses.

Visually Confused Words