parenthesis

Parentheses are punctuation marks used to set apart information that is supplementary or explanatory. They function as a break in continuity, similar to an interval or interruption.12

Parenthetical elements can be phrases, clauses, or entire sentences that are inserted into a larger text. This inserted material is often considered secondary to the main point being made. For example, a writer might use parentheses to add a brief comment, a translation, or a piece of extra detail that, while relevant, is not essential to the core message. The term "parenthetical" can also describe something that is enclosed within parentheses or a style of writing that frequently uses them.3