Ellipse vs. Ellipsis — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
An ellipse is a geometric shape representing a closed, symmetrical curve, while an ellipsis is a linguistic or typographic tool indicating omitted text, usually marked by three dots (...).
Difference Between Ellipse and Ellipsis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An ellipse is a plane curve surrounding two focal points, such that the sum of the distances to the two focal points is constant for every point on the curve. This shape is widely used in mathematics and physics. In contrast, an ellipsis is a series of three consecutive dots ("...") used in writing to indicate the omission of words, the passage of time, or an unfinished thought.
In geometry, the ellipse is defined by its major and minor axes, which provide measurements for its width and height, respectively. The ellipsis, however, functions in grammar and rhetoric to suggest that something has been left out of the text, whether for brevity, suspense, or other rhetorical effects.
Ellipses are often used in both informal and formal writing but must be employed carefully to maintain clarity. Meanwhile, ellipses as geometric entities appear in various scientific contexts, such as in the orbits of planets and satellites which often approximate elliptical shapes due to gravitational forces.
While an ellipse is strictly a mathematical and physical term, an ellipsis is used more broadly in literature, dialogue, and various forms of writing. The ellipse has precise, calculated properties and applications in theoretical contexts, whereas the ellipsis is applied more flexibly depending on the style and tone of the text.
Educationally, the ellipse is studied in mathematics and physics, focusing on its properties and applications. In contrast, the ellipsis is taught within the context of grammar and writing, emphasizing its proper use according to style guides and grammatical rules.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A closed curve in which the sum of the distances from any point on the curve to two fixed points (foci) is constant.
A series of three dots (...) used in writing to indicate an omission or a pause.
Discipline
Mathematics, Physics
Linguistics, Writing
Function
Describes orbits, lenses, and other physical forms.
Indicates omitted text or pauses in speech.
Properties
Defined by major and minor axes.
Defined by the context of omitted material.
Usage
Scientific and theoretical applications.
Literary and rhetorical applications.
Compare with Definitions
Ellipse
A regular oval shape traced by a point moving in a plane so that the sum of its distances from two other points is constant.
The planets follow an elliptical orbit around the sun.
Ellipsis
A punctuation mark consisting of three dots, used in text to indicate an omission, trailing off of thought or a pause.
I guess I should have known that...
Ellipse
In astronomy, the elliptical shape of the orbit around a star or planet.
Comets often have highly elliptical orbits.
Ellipsis
A literary device used to create suspense or to leave something unsaid.
When he arrived, she was already...
Ellipse
A geometric figure that looks like an elongated circle.
She cut out a piece of paper in the shape of an ellipse.
Ellipsis
A set of dots indicating such omission.
He went to the mall, and... well, I don't know.
Ellipse
A closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a cone by a plane.
An ellipse can be drawn using two pins, a string, and a pencil.
Ellipsis
The omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues.
So... what happened?
Ellipse
A shape resembling a flattened circle.
The garden was laid out in an ellipse.
Ellipsis
The ellipsis ..., . . ., or (as a single glyph) …, also known informally as dot-dot-dot, is a series of (usually three) dots that indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning.
Ellipse
In mathematics, an ellipse is a plane curve surrounding two focal points, such that for all points on the curve, the sum of the two distances to the focal points is a constant. As such, it generalizes a circle, which is the special type of ellipse in which the two focal points are the same.
Ellipsis
The omission of a word or phrase necessary for a complete syntactical construction but not necessary for understanding.
Ellipse
A conic section whose plane is not parallel to the axis, base, or generatrix of the intersected cone.
Ellipsis
An example of such omission.
Ellipse
The locus of points for which the sum of the distances from each point to two fixed points is equal.
Ellipsis
A mark or series of marks ( ... or * * * , for example) used in writing or printing to indicate an omission, especially of letters or words.
Ellipse
Ellipsis.
Ellipsis
A mark consisting of (in English) three periods, historically or more formally with spaces in between, before, and after them, " . . . ", or, more recently, a single character, "…", used to indicate that words have been omitted in a text or that they are missing or illegible, or (in mathematics) that a pattern continues (e.g., 1, ..., 4 means 1, 2, 3, 4).
Ellipse
(geometry) A closed curve, the locus of a point such that the sum of the distances from that point to two other fixed points (called the foci of the ellipse) is constant; equivalently, the conic section that is the intersection of a cone with a plane that does not intersect the base of the cone. Category:en:Curves
Ellipsis
The omission of a word or phrase that can be inferred from the context.
Ellipse
(grammar) To remove from a phrase a word which is grammatically needed, but which is clearly understood without having to be stated.
In B's response to A's question:- (A: Would you like to go out?, B: I'd love to), the words that are ellipsed are go out.
Ellipsis
(film) The omission of scenes in a film that do not advance the plot.
Ellipse
An oval or oblong figure, bounded by a regular curve, which corresponds to an oblique projection of a circle, or an oblique section of a cone through its opposite sides. The greatest diameter of the ellipse is the major axis, and the least diameter is the minor axis. See Conic section, under Conic, and cf. Focus.
Ellipsis
An ellipse.
Ellipse
Omission. See Ellipsis.
Ellipsis
Omission; a figure of syntax, by which one or more words, which are obviously understood, are omitted; as, the virtues I admire, for, the virtues which I admire.
Ellipse
The elliptical orbit of a planet.
The Sun flies forward to his brother Sun;The dark Earth follows wheeled in her ellipse.
Ellipsis
An ellipse.
Ellipse
A closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it;
The sums of the distances from the foci to any point on an ellipse is constant
Ellipsis
A printing symbol, usually three periods in a row (. . .), indicating the omission of some part of a text; - used commonly in quotations, so as to suppress words not essential to the meaning. A long dash (--) and three asterisks (* * *) are sometimes used with the same meaning.
Ellipsis
Omission or suppression of parts of words or sentences
Ellipsis
Used in dialogues to indicate hesitation or paused speech.
I'm not sure I agree with you, but...
Common Curiosities
Can an ellipse be used in everyday applications?
Yes, ellipses are used in design, astronomy, and optics, such as in lenses and satellite orbits.
Are ellipses only used in English language texts?
No, ellipses are used in many languages to manage text flow and reader interpretation.
What is the primary use of an ellipse in geometry?
In geometry, an ellipse is primarily used to describe the shape and properties of oval-like curves.
How is an ellipsis used in writing?
An ellipsis is used to indicate the omission of words, a pause in dialogue, or an unfinished thought.
Is it correct to use more than three dots in an ellipsis?
Typically, only three dots are used, unless they combine with other punctuation marks.
What should be avoided when using an ellipsis in writing?
Avoid using an ellipsis too frequently or in formal writing, as it can create ambiguity or informality.
What mathematical properties does an ellipse have?
An ellipse is characterized by its major and minor axes, which determine its shape and size.
Can ellipsis imply something other than omitted text?
Yes, in literature and dialogues, an ellipsis can also indicate a trailing off or pause in thought.
What is the difference between an ellipse and a circle?
A circle is a special case of an ellipse where the major and minor axes are equal.
How do ellipses affect the tone of written text?
Ellipses can introduce a casual, informal tone or create suspense and emotional impact in narrative texts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
