parenthetical

English

Etymology

From Medieval Latin parentheticus (from Late Latin parenthesis or Ancient Greek παρένθετος (parénthetos), + -icus) +‎ -al.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈpæ.ɹən.θɛt.ɪkl̩/

Adjective

parenthetical (not comparable)

1. using, containing, or within parenthesis

   the parenthetical portion of the sentence "Bob (my best friend) works in finance"

2. that explains or qualifies something
3. that is incidental

Synonyms

• parenthetic

Noun

parenthetical (plural parentheticals)

1. A word or phrase within parentheses.
2. (screenwriting) A descriptor or modifier enclosed within parentheses and put, indented, in a line of dialogue to describe how it should be acted or directed onscreen.