Definition

The act of leaving out a sound or syllable when speaking, often to make pronunciation easier or to fit a rhythm in poetry.

Example

In poetry, elision helps maintain the meter by omitting certain syllables.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of elision in poetry?

Yeah, I learned about it in my literature class.

It’s interesting how it helps maintain the rhythm, right?

Absolutely! It makes the verses flow so much better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Elision → It is formed from "e-" (a variant of "ex-", meaning out) and "līdere" (from Latin, meaning to strike or cut). The word refers to the act of cutting out or omitting a sound or syllable in speech or writing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cutting out' ('līdere') something 'out' ('e-') — that's why elision means to omit a sound.

Visually Confused Words