Parentheses Meaning in English

word · lemma: parenthesis

US

UK

Definition

Parentheses are curved marks ( ) used in writing to add extra information or separate parts of a sentence.

Usage & Nuances

'Parentheses' is always plural; use 'a parenthesis' for the singular form. In British English, sometimes called 'round brackets.' In math and writing, use parentheses for extra information, explanations, or clarifying statements. Do not confuse with 'brackets' [ ] or 'curly braces' { }.

• Spanish: paréntesis
• Portuguese (BR): parênteses
• Portuguese (PT): parênteses
• Chinese (Simplified): 括号
• Chinese (Traditional): 括號
• Hindi: कोष्ठक
• Arabic: أقواس (مستديرة)
• Bengali: বড়ি括号 (parentheses) - গোল বন্ধনী
• Russian: скобки (круглые скобки)
• Japanese: 括弧（かっこ）
• Vietnamese: dấu ngoặc đơn
• Korean: 괄호
• Turkish: parantez
• Urdu: قوسین (گول قوسیں)
• Indonesian: tanda kurung

Example Sentences

Please put your explanation in parentheses.

basic

These words in parentheses are not part of the sentence.

basic

Use parentheses to show extra information.

basic

If you're not sure, just add your comment in parentheses.

natural

Math formulas always use parentheses to group numbers.

natural

I sometimes forget to close my parentheses when I write emails.

natural