elliptically
Americanadverb
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in the form of an ellipse.
-
in an elliptical manner; by an ellipse.
-
with great economy of words or expression; concisely.
to speak elliptically.
-
without sufficient transition or a logical connection between thoughts, ideas, or expressions; ambiguously or cryptically.
to jump elliptically from generalities to specifics.
Etymology
Origin of elliptically
First recorded in 1810–20; elliptical + -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For much of the novel, Mr. Banville teases us in a similar manner, hinting at the truth behind Laura’s disappearance so elliptically that he risks testing our patience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025
Mulaney referred to the fires elliptically when discussing last year's Los Angeles series.
From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025
“You have to start dreaming,” he says elliptically.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 12, 2023
A public statement issued by the board on Monday accused O’Keefe of improper personal spending but referred only elliptically to concerns about the group’s nonprofit status.
From Washington Post • Feb. 21, 2023
“In the meanwhile,” he observed rather elliptically, “the voice of the nation will perhaps be heard.”
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
