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parenthetical remark

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An interjected phrase enclosed in parentheses that functions as a digressive comment, aside, or intimate clarification in verse.

Detailed Definition
A parenthetical remark in poetry is an interjected comment, observation, or qualification enclosed within punctuation that momentarily diverts from the primary narrative or argument; it often reveals the speaker’s inner conflict, humor, or vulnerability, adding layers of voice and complexity without disrupting the poem’s overarching structure.
Example
Example in poetry:
A brief comment or observation inserted into a poem's main narrative or description, often using parentheses or dashes; The phrase "His heart (as cold as marble) never stirred" within a line of verse; An interjection that quickly gives the poet's personal opinion or a brief context; A non-essential clause that provides background information or a quick descriptive detail.
Additional Notes
parenthetical remark: A broad term for any comment that interrupts the main flow of a poem to offer secondary information or commentary; serves to create a conversational or digressive feel.
Also Known As
aside remark bracketed note enclosed comment Bracketed aside parenthetical phrase Parenthesis
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