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ellipsis

Definition of ellipsis

noun (plural ellipses /-siːz/)

the omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues: it is very rare for an ellipsis to occur without a linguistic antecedent [mass noun]:an example of ellipsis
a set of dots (...) indicating an ellipsis.

Origin:

mid 16th century: via Latin from Greek elleipsis, from elleipein 'leave out'

Grammar

The omission of one or more words in order to avoid repetition. It is often done by replacing a complete verb phrase by an auxiliary verb. Other clause components can also be omitted. Ellipsis is frequently used: with contrasting subjects, objects, or adverbials:You’ve got more use for it than I have. instead ofYou’ve got more use for it than I have use for it. with the verbs be and have:I was sure it would be worth the effort of breaking them in — and it was. instead ofI was sure it would be worth the effort of breaking them in — and it was worth the effort of breaking them in. with modal auxiliary verbs like should or could:Two of them disappeared without trace as fast as they could. instead ofTwo of them disappeared without trace as fast as they could disappear without trace.

ellipsis in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of ellipsis in the US English dictionary

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