elide
UK[ɪˈlaɪd]US[ɪˈlaɪd]
v
To omit a sound or syllable when speaking.
v
To leave out or suppress (a word, passage, or idea) from a text or discussion.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
lide
e
out
lide
strike
Etymology
The word 'elide' originates from the Latin verb elidere, which is a compound of e- (meaning 'out') and laedere (meaning 'to strike'). The literal sense was 'to strike out' or 'dash out'. In Latin grammatical contexts, this evolved to signify the striking out or omission of a letter or sound. This specific linguistic meaning was adopted into English in the late 16th century, where it now primarily refers to the omission of sounds in speech or the suppression of elements in writing, carrying forward the core idea of removal through a metaphorical extension of the original physical action.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + lide (strike)
e- (Latin prefix meaning 'out, away'); -lide (from Latin laedere, meaning 'to strike, injure').
Examples
Many speakers elide the 'd' in the word 'handbag', pronouncing it as 'hambag'.
The editor chose to elide several paragraphs from the manuscript to improve its pacing.
In rapid conversation, it's common to elide the 'g' in words ending with '-ing'.