elliptically
1
7.8
- adverb
- /ɪˈlɪptɪkli/
- Formal
:
de manera elíptica
- In her speech, she addressed the issue elliptically, hinting at problems without stating them directly.
- answer more elliptically
Examples
-
Bechdel's first memoir, Fun Home, centers on (or, more appropriately, circles elliptically around)
Academic text (2016) -
Jonas Åkerlund's "Haunted" works more elliptically, asking us to puzzle out its audiovisual relations.
Academic text (2017) -
In Riven, even more vectors point elliptically away from the central plot.
Academic text (1999) -
While Gurney does this more elliptically, using the device of Judy's Antigone, Mamet does it straight on.
Academic text (1993) -
In contrast, traditional ayatollahs are capable of expressing themselves elliptically and indirectly; although everyone understands what they are talking about, they allow the target of their criticism to save face.
Blog text (6) -
In many societies, it is more polite to talk elliptically (with intelligent people knowing the subtext) than to call someone out overtly and publicly.
Blog text (6) -
Q: He spoke only briefly and elliptically about the mission. A: Elliptical? Oblique? Direct elliptical references to problems best not aired in public.
Blog text (9) -
At 10:14:00, CNN's on-air team reports -- still somewhat elliptically -- that "the individual mandate may be upheld under a narrow reading of the constitution, not under the commerce clause."
Blog text (24) -
The director's 1987 remarks on his experience of religious epics are all the more revealing because they elaborate on opinions elliptically expressed by the protagonists of his first feature film, Who's That Knocking at My Door?, made in 1969:
Academic text (1991) -
He often speaks elliptically, leaving listeners to interpret his true meaning.
Synonyms
78
4.2
In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else
41
5.6
In a way that is understood without being directly said
1
7.9
In a way that shows something without saying it
In an indirect way that hints at something
In a quiet, sly way that hints at something
In a way that avoids clear answers or direct information
Antonyms
How Indirect
Surface Forms
Morphology
elliptically = elliptical (semi-transparent) = elliptical + ly
The form is clearly 'elliptical' + '-ly', but the figurative sense 'indirect or tersely implied' is a metaphorical/idiomatic extension not directly predictable from the literal shape sense.
Etymology
Elliptically is also related to ellipsis, the three dots '...' that show 'to leave out' words. So to speak elliptically is to hint or leave things unsaid, using few words or indirect language.