How to Pronounce Parentheses

To pronounce "parentheses", say PAR-enth-es-es — 4 syllables, IPA /pəˈɹɛnθəsiːz/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

parentheses

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

/pəˈɹɛnθəsiːz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “parentheses”

"parentheses" has 4 syllables: par-enth-es-es. It rhymes with seize and appease, if that helps it stick.

What does parentheses mean?

noun

  1. A clause, phrase or word which is inserted (usually for explanation or amplification) into a passage which is already grammatically complete, and usually marked off with brackets, commas or dashes.
  2. Either of a pair of brackets, especially round brackets, ( and ) (used to enclose parenthetical material in a text).

Synonyms

parenthesis-pointround bracketparen

Hear “parentheses” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with parentheses

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

seizeappeaseexpertiseuneaserepriseeasewheezesqueezeteasechemisecheesebreeze

Related words

bracketbracketscapturingrelativesparensdigressionasidelunulae

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "parentheses"?▾

"Parentheses" has 4 syllables: par · enth · es · es.

What is the IPA transcription of "parentheses"?▾

The IPA transcription of "parentheses" is /pəˈɹɛnθəsiːz/.

What does "parentheses" mean?▾

Parentheses: A clause, phrase or word which is inserted (usually for explanation or amplification) into a passage which is already grammatically complete, and usually marked off with brackets, commas or dashes.

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