parenthetical
/ˌpɛrənˈθɛtɪkəl/
noun
- A word, phrase, or sentence inserted as an aside or explanation within a larger passage, usually set off by punctuation such as parentheses, commas, or dashes.
- Writers often use parentheticals to add extra information without breaking the flow.
- In the sentence 'The dog (a golden retriever) barked loudly,' the phrase 'a golden retriever' is a parenthetical.
- The editor suggested removing several parentheticals to make the text more direct.
adjective
- Relating to or inserted as a parenthesis; added as an aside or explanation within a sentence or passage.
- Parenthetical phrases are often set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses.
- His parenthetical note in the margin helped me understand the difficult paragraph.
- The speaker made a parenthetical comment about the weather before continuing her main point.
- Of or relating to a digression or aside that interrupts the main flow of speech or writing.
- She added a parenthetical apology for being late before diving into her presentation.
- The lecture was full of parenthetical stories that distracted from the main topic.
- The movie's parenthetical scenes showing the character's childhood felt unnecessary.
Synonyms