verb
elide
ih-LIDE
Elide (verb) means to leave out or omit something. Example: “The editor decided to elide the final paragraph.”
verb
1
To leave out or omit something.
"The editor decided to elide the final paragraph."
"The report elides several awkward details about the delay."
"You can elide the introduction if you are short of time."
2
linguistics In linguistics, to cut off a vowel or a syllable when speaking.
"Many speakers elide the middle vowel when they say the word "chocolate"."
"In fast speech the final sound of a word may be elided."
"Poets sometimes elide a syllable to keep the rhythm of a line."
How to use elide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo leave something out, or to drop a sound when speaking.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal word, most often met in writing and in discussions of language.
Memory tip
Elide takes a direct object, so you elide something rather than elide from it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
elide a syllable
elide a vowel
elide details
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The editor decided to _____ the final paragraph.
Etymology
From Latin ēlīdō, meaning to knock, dash or strike out. That verb was built from ex- (out, away) and laedō (to strike, collide, hurt).
Synonyms
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omit
leave out
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for elide
See all rhymes for elide →Frequently asked questions
What does elide mean?
To elide is to leave something out or omit it. In linguistics it means to cut off a vowel or a syllable.
How do you pronounce elide?
It is pronounced ih-LIDE, with the stress on the second syllable, and it rhymes with slide.
What is elision in speech?
Elision is the dropping of a vowel or syllable when speaking, which is what the linguistic sense of elide describes.
What is the meaning of elide?
"elide" (verb) means to leave out or omit something.
