French word

parenthèse

Pronunciation

IPA/paʁɑ̃tɛz/

Meaning

  • feminine nounparenthesis

Example

Mets cette phrase entre parenthèses.

Put this sentence in parentheses.

Illustration for parenthèse (parenthesis)

More examples

N'oublie pas la parenthèse fermante à la fin.

Don't forget the closing parenthesis at the end.

Core concept

A small detour inserted into a sentence, marked off from the sentence's main path by paired curved signs.

Common phrases

  • entre parenthèses

    in parentheses

  • parenthèse ouvrante

    opening parenthesis

  • parenthèse fermante

    closing parenthesis

Similar words

remarque: A short opinion or observation added to a text or conversation.
commentaire: A brief explanation or reaction added to a statement or piece of writing.
précision: A short clarification or fact added to remove ambiguity.

Definition in French

Terme désignant la remarque insérée dans une phrase, écrite entre les signes « ( ) », utilisée pour apporter une précision accessoire ou une digression.

Word origin

French parenthèse is inherited through Latin parenthesis from Greek parenthesis, meaning a placing beside, from para and thesis.

Usage tips

  • Mettre quelque chose entre parenthèses also means to set it aside temporarily, not only to put it between punctuation marks.

Other meanings

  • asidenoun
  • parenthetical remarknoun

Word lists with this word