parenthesis

• Nom désignant soit l'un des deux signes de ponctuation (parenthèses ouvrantes ou fermantes) utilisés pour isoler un élément dans un texte, soit une digression ou une remarque qui s'écarte du sujet principal.

A noun referring to either of two punctuation marks (or) used to enclose textual material, or a message that departs from the main subject.

1. Punctuation markB1formal

   Either of two curved marks, ( and ), used to enclose additional information or an aside in a sentence.

   Parenthèse (signe de ponctuation)

   • The author placed the date in parentheses.
   • Use a parenthesis to add a clarifying comment.
   • The sentence within the parenthesis explains the term.

   Synonymesbracket

2. DigressionB2formal

   A remark or section that departs from the main topic of discussion.

   Digression

   • His speech was full of interesting parentheses.
   • The professor went off on a parenthesis about ancient history.
   • I apologize for that parenthesis; let's return to the main point.

   Synonymesasidedigressionexcursustangent