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Ellipses: meaning, definitions and examples

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ellipses

 

[ ɪˈlɪp.siːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

punctuation mark

Ellipses are a series of three dots used in writing to indicate the omission of words, a pause, or unfinished thoughts. They can also create a sense of suspense or a trailing off in dialogue or narrative. The use of ellipses can shift the tone of the writing or suggest an incomplete thought.

Synonyms

omission, pause, suspension

Examples of usage

  • I was thinking... maybe we should go.
  • She said she would call me... eventually.
  • It's just that... I don't know if I can.
  • I don't really want to talk about it... right now.

Translations

Translations of the word "ellipses" in other languages:

🇵🇹 elipses

🇮🇳 दीर्घवृत्त

🇩🇪 Ellipsen

🇮🇩 elips

🇺🇦 еліпси

🇵🇱 elipsy

🇯🇵 楕円

🇫🇷 ellipses

🇪🇸 élites

🇹🇷 elipsler

🇰🇷 타원

🇸🇦 أهليلجة

🇨🇿 elipsy

🇸🇰 elipsy

🇨🇳 椭圆

🇸🇮 elipse

🇮🇸 ellipsur

🇰🇿 эллипстер

🇬🇪 ელიფსები

🇦🇿 ellipslər

🇲🇽 élites

Word origin

The term 'ellipsis' comes from the Greek word 'elleipsis,' meaning 'to fall short' or 'to leave out.' The use of ellipses in writing dates back to ancient Greek and Latin texts, where it was used to denote missing material or an incomplete thought in a sentence. It has evolved in modern usage primarily as a tool in literature and casual writing to convey pauses, uncertainty, or omissions. The accepted form of ellipsis as three consecutive dots became standardized in the 18th and 19th centuries. In contemporary writing, especially in digital communication, ellipses have taken on a more versatile role, often indicating hesitation or a trail-off in thought, and have become a popular stylistic choice in both fiction and personal messages.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,412, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.