ellipsis
The omission of words from speech or writing; the punctuation mark indicating this
Examples
In a meeting
“Your ellipsis of key details made the argument harder to follow.”
Over coffee
“The writer's use of ellipsis creates this mysterious, trailing-off effect.”
Why this word
omission
ellipsis is the specific rhetorical or grammatical term for deliberate omission of words understood from context, while omission is generic exclusion
deletion
ellipsis refers to an intentional linguistic device where words are left out but understood, while deletion just means removal
gap
ellipsis is the technical term for purposeful omission following grammatical rules, while gap is vague about intent or structure
Usage tip
Use to describe deliberate omission in writing or speech. Can refer to the grammatical technique or the three-dot punctuation mark.
Etymology
Greek: elleipsis (falling short, defect) from elleipein (to fall short)
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Related words
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
abbreviate
Shorten a word, phrase, or text
prolixity
The quality of using too many words; excessive wordiness
polemical
Involving strongly critical or controversial argument
pejorative
Expressing disapproval or conveying a negative connotation
allegory
A story or description in which characters or events symbolize deeper meanings