Word
elliptical
Phoneticsel·lip·ti·cal, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪˈɫɪptɪkəɫ/
UK/ɪlˈɪptɪkəl/
Definition
adj. shaped like a flattened circle or an oval. It can also describe a style of speaking or writing that is hard to understand because it leaves out information.
adj. relating to or having the shape of an ellipse; also describes a style of communication characterized by extreme economy of expression or the omission of words.
Examples
“The planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun.”
“The poet's elliptical style forced readers to fill in the gaps between his fragmented thoughts.”
“While the satellite's path was strictly elliptical, its speed varied significantly depending on its proximity to the planet's gravitational center.”
Examples
simple
“The planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun.”
contextual
“The poet's elliptical style forced readers to fill in the gaps between his fragmented thoughts.”
complex
“While the satellite's path was strictly elliptical, its speed varied significantly depending on its proximity to the planet's gravitational center.”
Usage
Used both in technical scientific contexts and to describe literary or rhetorical styles. Often appears before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Kamiya’s collection is remarkable in its variety but united by its laconic, sometimes elliptical style.” “This is not a war play in any strident sense: its reflections are more personal and elliptical, even if, in such circumstances, the personal is political.” Etymology
From elliptic + -al, from Ancient Greek ἐλλειπτικός (elleiptikós), from ἐλλείπω (elleípō, “I leave out, omit”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/elliptical