adjective
elliptic
Expressed with words deliberately left unstated.
His elliptic reply leaves out words he expects us to supply.
Etymology
Greek elleipsis means omission or falling short. In language, an elliptic expression leaves words out while relying on context to supply what is missing.
More examples
- Her elliptic note says only 'Back soon.'
- The poem's elliptic phrasing leaves readers to fill in missing verbs.
- He uses the elliptic question 'Coffee?' instead of making a full offer.
Forms
ellipsis noun — The omission of words understood from context.
elliptically adverb — With understood words deliberately left unstated.
Similar words
- elliptical
- The more common adjective for expression that leaves words unstated.