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Definition of parenthesize

parenthesize

/pəˈrɛn.θə.saɪz/
(UK: parenthesise)
pa · ren · the · size
Adverb:parenthetically
•
Adjective:parenthetic
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Past Simple:parenthesized
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Past Participle:parenthesized
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Present Participle:parenthesizing
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parenthesize Lexical Profile

parenthesize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To enclose a word, phrase, or clause within parentheses, or to insert it as an explanatory or qualifying aside.

Example

"The copyeditor decided to parenthesize the technical definitions so they would not disrupt the main flow of the sentence."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for parenthesize

• Rhymes for parenthesize

• Nearby Words

parental
parentally
parenthesis
parenthesize
parenthetic
parenthetical
parenthetically

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from 'parenthesis' (via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'parentithenai', meaning 'to put in beside') plus the verbal suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Parenthesize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/parenthesize
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