Omit: meaning, definitions and examples
❌
omit
[əˈmɪt ]
Definitions
to leave out
To leave out or exclude someone or something. It can also mean to fail to include or mention something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| omit |
Used when something is left out on purpose or by accident.
|
| exclude |
Implies intentionally leaving someone or something out, often to create a boundary or limitation.
|
| neglect |
Used when something or someone is not given proper care or attention, often with negative implications.
|
| skip |
Used when something is intentionally not done or bypassed, typically in a casual or deliberate manner.
|
Examples of usage
- She decided to omit the last paragraph from her essay.
- The report omitted any reference to the environmental impact of the project.
to fail to do something
To fail to do something, especially something that is normally done or expected. It can also mean to neglect or ignore something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| omit |
Use this when something is intentionally or accidentally left out, often in written or spoken material.
|
| neglect |
This is used when someone fails to care for something or someone properly and it often has a negative connotation.
|
| overlook |
Ideal for instances where something is unintentionally not noticed or considered. It can also be used when someone intentionally ignores something minor.
|
| forget |
This is suitable for situations where someone unintentionally fails to remember something.
|
Examples of usage
- He omitted to thank her for the help.
- The company omitted to comply with safety regulations.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'omittere', which means 'to let go or overlook'.
- In English, 'omit' has been used since the 15th century, showing its long history in the language.
- Related words include 'omission', which refers to the act of leaving something out.
Literature
- Authors often choose to omit details to create mystery or tension in a story.
- In poetry, omission can be a powerful tool to evoke emotions by leaving certain ideas unsaid.
- Omitting certain characters or subplots can streamline a narrative, making it more focused.
Psychology
- Omitting information can lead to misunderstandings, as people might fill in the gaps with their own assumptions.
- Cognitive biases can influence what people choose to omit or include based on their beliefs.
- The act of omitting can also be a defense mechanism to avoid uncomfortable truths.
Legal
- In legal documents, the omission of necessary information can lead to significant consequences.
- Omitting facts in a witness statement can result in charges of perjury if caught.
- Lawyers often advise clients on what to omit to protect their rights during legal proceedings.
Technology
- In programming, omitting parameters in a function can lead to default values being used.
- Software updates sometimes involve omitting outdated features to improve performance.
- In user interface design, omitting unnecessary elements can create a cleaner and more user-friendly experience.