parenthetical
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /pəˈrɛnθɪkəl/
KK: /pɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or set off by parentheses, often used to provide additional information or clarification in a sentence.
Example
The teacher made a parenthetical comment to explain the concept further.
Conversation
I added a few parenthetical notes in my essay to clarify some points.
That's a great idea! It really helps the reader understand better.
Yeah, I think the parenthetical remarks make it flow nicely.
Absolutely! They add context without interrupting the main ideas.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
qualifying
explanatory
supplementary
Antonyms
main
primary
essential
noun
Definition
A word, phrase, or remark that is added to a sentence as extra information, often set off by commas or parentheses.
Example
The teacher's explanation included a parenthetical that clarified the main point.
Conversation
Did you understand that last part of the lecture?
Not really, it was filled with too many parenthetical remarks.
Yeah, I think the teacher loves using them for extra details.
Root Explanation
Parenthetical → It is formed from "parenthesis" (from Greek "parenthesis", meaning to place beside) and the suffix "-al" (meaning relating to). The word "parenthetical" refers to something that is related to or placed beside the main text, often as an explanatory remark.
Memory Tip
Think of a remark that is 'placed beside' the main idea — 'parenthesis' means to place beside, and '-al' indicates it relates to that.
Visually Confused Words
paraenetical
pathetical
pantheistical
interparenthetical
prothetical
apathetical
aesthetical
pathetically