ellipsis

el·lip·sis

noun \i-ˈlip-səs, e-\

plural el·lip·ses \-ˌsēz\

Definition of ELLIPSIS

1

a : the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete

b : a sudden leap from one topic to another

2

: marks or a mark (as …) indicating an omission (as of words) or a pause

Examples of ELLIPSIS

1. “Begin when ready” for “Begin when you are ready” is an example of ellipsis.

Origin of ELLIPSIS

Latin, from Greek elleipsis ellipsis, ellipse, from elleipein to leave out, fall short, from en in + leipein to leave — more at in, loan

First Known Use: 1540

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile