Parenthesize
[pə-REN-thə-sahyz]
Part of speech: verb
Origin: English, 18th century
1.
Put (a word, phrase, or clause) into parentheses.
2.
Insert as a parenthesis; express or state in parenthesis.
Examples of Parenthesize in a sentence
"The front desk clerk said the kitchen closed at 8 p.m. but parenthesized we could call her if we needed anything."
"Harry told us he was on a diet but parenthesized that he made exceptions for fresh pie."
About Parenthesize
The verb “parenthesize” is a variation upon the English noun “parenthesis,” with the suffix “-ize” making the noun a verb. “Parenthesis” is based on the Ancient Greek “παρένθεσις” (“parénthesis”), meaning “I put in beside.”
Did you Know?
In written English, a parenthesis is a secondary idea added to a complete sentence as an afterthought or explanation, usually set off in punctuation by parentheses marks. But even in conversation, any idea that is added to a complete thought as a means of explaining or contextualizing it can be called a “parenthesis.” Therefore, any time a person introduces a secondary idea into a text, they’re parenthesizing, but so is a person who makes a statement and then adds an aside to further contextualize it. For example, a schoolteacher stating the rules for their class may parenthesize vocally by adding a list of the circumstances in which the rules do not apply.
