Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ellipsis
noun
/ɪˈlɪp.sɪs/
Definition
A series of dots used to indicate the omission of words or a pause in a sentence.
Examples
- She said she would come… but it was too late.
- In the quote, part of the speech was omitted: ‘I have a dream… that one day this nation will rise up.’
- He hesitated and then replied, ‘I don’t know… maybe it will work.’
Meaning
In writing, an ellipsis consists of three dots (…). It shows that part of a text has been left out or suggests a trailing off in thought.
Synonyms
- Omission
- Suspension
- Truncation
