ellipsis
/i'lipsis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete grammatical construction but understood in the context: "Ellipsis" refers to a rhetorical or grammatical device where words are left out of a sentence because they can be inferred from the surrounding text or situation.
- A set of three dots (...) indicating such an omission: "Ellipsis" also denotes the punctuation mark (…) used in writing to show that words have been intentionally left out, to create a pause, or to indicate an unfinished thought.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Grammatical Omission):
- In the sentence "She can speak French, and I can too," the ellipsis of "speak French" after "I can" is understood.
- The dialogue used ellipsis effectively, making the conversation sound more natural.
- Noun (Punctuation Mark):
- The author used an ellipsis at the end of the paragraph to create suspense...
- When quoting a long passage, you can use an ellipsis to show where you have removed some text.
Advanced Usage
- Stylistic Ellipsis: Used in literature and speech to convey hesitation, trailing off, or an unfinished idea.
- "I thought maybe we could... oh, never mind."
- Formal Writing: In academic or formal writing, square brackets are sometimes used with an ellipsis to indicate an omission within a quotation: [...].
- The law states that "all citizens [...] are entitled to equal protection."
Variants and Related Words
- Elliptical (adj): Pertaining to or characterized by ellipsis; using or involving omission.
- His speech was elliptical, leaving much for the audience to infer.
- Ellipse (n): A regular oval shape, a closed plane curve. (Note: This is a different word with a different meaning, often confused with "ellipsis").
Synonyms
- Omission: The act of leaving something out.
- Deletion: The removal or omission of text.
- Aposiopesis: A rhetorical device involving a sudden break in speech, often indicated by a dash or ellipsis.
Related Phrases
- Use of ellipsis: The application of the punctuation mark or grammatical device.
- The use of ellipsis in poetry can add layers of meaning.
- Mark of ellipsis: Another term for the punctuation symbol (...).
- Remember to insert a mark of ellipsis where the text is omitted.
Related Idioms
- Dot, dot, dot...: An informal way of referring to an ellipsis, often used in speech to imply something left unsaid or to create dramatic effect.
- He said he had a big secret... dot, dot, dot.
Noun
- omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences