elliptically

American  

[ih-lip-tik-lee] / ɪˈlɪp tɪk li /

adverb

1. in the form of an ellipse.

2. in an elliptical manner; by an ellipse.

3. with great economy of words or expression; concisely.

   to speak elliptically.

4. 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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Etymology

Origin of elliptically

First recorded in 1810–20; elliptical + -ly

Example Sentences

Or, as Edwards elliptically put it, “There’s a disproportionate focus on a particular asset class in a particular country.”

From Literature

For much of the novel, Mr. Banville teases us in a similar manner, hinting at the truth behind Laura’s disappearance so elliptically that he risks testing our patience.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mulaney referred to the fires elliptically when discussing last year's Los Angeles series.

From Salon

It’s also one of a number of movies that, by turns bluntly and elliptically, either focus on young people or on adults grappling with childhood in some manner.

From New York Times

Set in contemporary Beijing, the story emerges elliptically, as does Gu Wentong.

From New York Times