elliptically

[ ih-lip-tik-lee ]

adverb

1. in the form of an ellipse.
2. in an elliptical manner; by an ellipse.
3. with great economy of words or expression; concisely:

   to speak elliptically.

4. without sufficient transition or a logical connection between thoughts, ideas, or expressions; ambiguously or cryptically:

   to jump elliptically from generalities to specifics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elliptically¹

First recorded in 1810–20; elliptical + -ly

Example Sentences

Whatever its flaws, the series’s biggest strength is simply its boldness — its willingness to prod America’s sore spots like a boat crashing through a whale — where more tasteful dramas have moved elliptically.

From New York Times

Using the book as his lodestar, Nichols borrows from Lyon by turns directly, elliptically and sometimes clumsily, while making some instructive omissions: Some of the bikers wear Iron Cross patches, but if there's a Nazi swastika or Confederate flag here, emblems flaunted by some white bikers including Danny’s old Outlaw pals, I missed it.

From New York Times

During a Pittsburgh stop earlier this month, Biden spoke elliptically about Trump’s trial, betting his audience was already in on the joke.

From Seattle Times

It’s also one of a number of movies that, by turns bluntly and elliptically, either focus on young people or on adults grappling with childhood in some manner.

From New York Times

Set in contemporary Beijing, the story emerges elliptically, as does Gu Wentong.

From New York Times