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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of elliptically

First recorded in 1810–20; elliptical + -ly

Words nearby elliptically

ellipsometer, ellipt, elliptical, 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