elide

verb

i-ˈlīd 

elided; eliding

transitive verb

1

a

: to suppress or alter (something, such as a vowel or syllable) by elision

b

: to strike out (something, such as a written word)

2

a

: to leave out of consideration : omit

b

: curtail, abridge

Synonyms

• delete
• erase
• cancel

Examples of elide in a Sentence

some unnecessary verbiage will need to be elided, but otherwise the article is publishable

the product presentation was not elided—it's always only 15 minutes long

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump presents himself as pro-business by eliding the difference between Big Business and small businesses. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

Fennell’s films often elide both history and plausibility — strict adherence to period-appropriate accuracy in casting, costume, or feel is besides the point. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2025

Other fans will recognize the name May Pang, an assistant of the couple who, starting in 1973, had an affair with Lennon that’s discreetly elided here. —Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

Detail from a brush—a string of pearl-like dots, say—might be later applied, but the artist’s hand is elided by design. —Grace Edquist, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin elidere to strike out, from e- + laedere to injure by striking

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a