Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Using few words; concise to the point of being hard to understand: Characterized by extreme brevity or the omission of words that are normally expected, making the meaning somewhat obscure or implied.
   • Having the shape of an ellipse; oval: Rounded and elongated, like a flattened circle or an egg.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Concise/Omissive):
  • Her elliptical writing style forces readers to read between the lines.
  • The poet's elliptical verses are beautiful but challenging to interpret.
• Adjective (Oval-Shaped):
  • The room had an unusual elliptical shape.
  • Many planets follow an elliptical orbit around the sun.

Advanced Usage

• Elliptical construction/clause: In grammar, a clause where some words are omitted because they are understood from the context.
  • In the sentence "She can play the piano better than I [can play the piano]," the second instance of "play the piano" is an elliptical construction.
• Elliptical trainer: A common name for a stationary exercise machine that simulates movements like walking or running with a low-impact, oval-shaped stride path.
  • I prefer using the elliptical trainer at the gym because it's easy on my knees.

Variants and Related Words

• Elliptic (adj): A less common variant with the same meanings as "elliptical."
  • The comet's path is elliptic.
• Ellipse (n): A regular oval shape, the geometric figure.
  • He drew a perfect ellipse on the whiteboard.
• Ellipsis (n): The omission of words from speech or writing; also, the punctuation mark (...) that indicates such an omission.
  • The author used an ellipsis to create a dramatic pause.

Synonyms

• Concise: Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.
• Laconic: Using very few words.
• Terse: Sparing in the use of words; abrupt.
• Oval: Having a rounded and slightly elongated outline like an egg.

Antonyms

• Verbose: Using or expressed in more words than are needed.
• Prolix: Using too many words; tediously lengthy.
• Circular: Shaped like a circle.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Elliptical remark/statement: A comment that is deliberately indirect or ambiguous.
  • He made an elliptical remark about the company's future, leaving everyone uncertain.

Adjective

1. characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of superfluous elements
   • the dialogue is elliptic and full of dark hints
   • the explanation was concise, even elliptical to the verge of obscurity- H.O.Taylor
2. rounded like an egg