Definition

1. 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

1. omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences