Ellipsis

Pronunciation: el-lip'-sis

Alternate Spelling: Also sp. elipsis, elleipsis, eclipsis

Latin Synonyms: figure of default

Definition

Omission of a word or short phrase easily understood in context.

Examples

"The average person thinks he isn't." Father Larry Lorenzoni The term "average" is omitted but understood after "isn't." John forgives Mary and Mary, John. Note that the comma signals what has been elided, "forgives"