ellipsis
UK[ɪˈlɪpsɪs]US[ɪˈlɪpsɪs]
n
the omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete grammatical construction but understood in the context.
n
a set of three dots (...) indicating such an omission.
Morpheme Breakdown
ellip
sis
ellip
leave out
sis
action or process
Etymology
the word 'ellipsis' entered english in the 16th century via latin from the greek 'elleipsis', meaning 'a falling short, defect, or omission'. this greek noun derives from the verb 'elleipein', which combines 'en-' (in) and 'leipein' (to leave). the core concept is of leaving something in or leaving a gap. the grammatical sense, referring to the omission of words, developed directly from this literal idea of leaving something out. the typographical meaning, denoting the mark (...) that signifies an omission, followed naturally from this grammatical usage.
Analysis
Structure: ellip (leave out) + sis (action or process)
ellip originates from greek 'elleipein', meaning 'to leave out, fall short'. sis is a latin suffix from greek '-sis', indicating an action, process, or condition.
Examples
the sentence "she can play the piano, and he the violin" contains an ellipsis of the verb 'can play'.
an ellipsis is often used in writing to create a pause or suggest unfinished thought.
the author used an ellipsis at the end of the chapter to build suspense.