elliptical.

1. Leaving words or elements of expression unstated because context is expected to supply them.

2. Having the form of an ellipse.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• elliptical sentence
• elliptical dialogue

On the page

The elliptical dialogue depended on a shared history the reader had not yet learned.

The sentence was elliptical but recoverable from the preceding question.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Comparative more elliptical; superlative most elliptical where gradation is meaningful. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: clarity and ornament, narrative perspective, style analysis. Disciplines: literary writing, narrative analysis, advanced English. Commonness: moderately common.