Ellipsis: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'ellipsis' comes from the Greek word 'elleipsis,' meaning 'to leave out.'
• It has been used since the 15th century to describe the omission of words in text.

Literature

• Authors use it to create suspense or show characters’ unfinished thoughts.
• Famous writers like Ernest Hemingway often employed it in their works to convey deeper emotions.

Grammar

• In English, ellipses indicate an incomplete thought or a pause in dialogue.
• They can also replace repetitive thoughts: instead of repeating a whole phrase, you can just use '...' to imply it.

Pop Culture

• Ellipses have become popular in texting and social media to show trailing off in conversation.
• The use of '...' often suggests sarcasm or hesitation in online messages, adding a layer of meaning.

Psychology

• Studies show that ellipses can create an emotional response, making interactions feel more personal.
• They can also imply uncertainty or ambiguity, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps.

At rank #25,276, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25276 ellipsis
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