elliptically

[ ih-lip-tik-lee ]

/ ɪˈlɪp tɪk li /

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adverb

in the form of an ellipse.

in an elliptical manner; by an ellipse.

with great economy of words or expression; concisely: to speak elliptically.

without sufficient transition or a logical connection between thoughts, ideas, or expressions; ambiguously or cryptically: to jump elliptically from generalities to specifics.

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Origin of elliptically

First recorded in 1810–20; elliptical + -ly

Words nearby elliptically

ellipt, elliptical, elliptical amputation, elliptical galaxy, elliptical light, elliptically, elliptical polarization, elliptical trainer, elliptic function, elliptic geometry, elliptic integral

How to use elliptically in a sentence

Metadata is defined elliptically as “data that provides information about other data.”
Getting the most from your data-driven transformation: 10 key principles|Janice Zdankus, Anthony Delli Colli|October 14, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Washington didn’t tend to speak so elliptically, or condescendingly.
The definitive case for ending the filibuster|Ezra Klein|October 1, 2020|Vox
On television, stories may be told elliptically, but sitcoms still have their A and B plots.
Not Much New in Douglas Rushkoff’s Reading of the Future|Jacob Silverman|March 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
President Obama has elliptically promised that a U.S.-led coalition will prevent Iran from obtaining the bomb.
How to Stop the Threat From Iran: Ban the Bomb|Geoffrey Robertson|January 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

That flits upon an orbit elliptically or parabolically or hyperbolically curved, keeping no man knows what trysts with Time.
The Rhythm of Life|Alice Meynell
Then, looking almost challengingly at one another, we began to speak rather quickly, and a little elliptically.
The Debit Account|Oliver Onions
Aristotle used Enthymeme in the wider sense of an elliptically expressed argument.
Logic, Inductive and Deductive|William Minto
Over the north side of the knees was an elliptically-shaped piece of cedar burned on the upper side.
The Archaeology of the Yakima Valley|Harlan Ingersoll Smith
"It's the back-block bend," he remarked elliptically, in the boat.
My Lord Duke|E. W. Hornung