ellipsis

[ ih-lip-sis ]

noun

, plural el·lip·ses [ih-, lip, -seez].

1. Grammar.
   1. the omission from a sentence or other construction of one or more words that would complete or clarify the construction, as the omission of who are, while I am, or while we are from I like to interview people sitting down.
   2. the omission of one or more items from a construction in order to avoid repeating the identical or equivalent items that are in a preceding or following construction, as the omission of been to Paris from the second clause of I've been to Paris, but they haven't.
2. Printing. a mark or marks as ——, …, or * * *, to indicate an omission or suppression of letters or words.

ellipsis

/ ɪˈlɪpsɪs /

noun

1. Also calledeclipsis omission of parts of a word or sentence
2. printing a sequence of three dots (…) indicating an omission in text

ellipsis

1. A punctuation mark (…) used most often within quotations to indicate that something has been left out. For example, if we leave out parts of the above definition, it can read: “A punctuation mark (…) used most often … to indicate….”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ellipsis¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin ellīpsis, from Greek élleipsis “omission,” from el- (variant of en- en- ² ) + leip-, stem of leípein “to leave” + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of ellipsis¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek elleipsis omission, from elleipein to leave out, from leipein to leave

Example Sentences

That sinister ellipsis is Grewal’s.

From Los Angeles Times

He did this by cutting and pasting from an earlier Voting Rights Act decision that reached the opposite conclusion, and used an ellipsis to edit out the part that ruled otherwise and turn the meaning of the precedent inside out.

From Salon

Ellipsis formed in 2021 when two nonprofit organizations merged.

From Seattle Times

“Ellipsis is profoundly saddened by this situation, and we extend heartfelt thoughts to all who are affected. We deeply and personally mourn this loss,” Chief Executive Officer Chris Koepplin said in a statement.

From Seattle Times

Kathleen Galloway-Menke, 50, was assaulted May 8 by a 15-year-old resident at the center, Ellipsis Iowa, in the town of Johnston, police said.

From Seattle Times