The meaning behind 6 dots can vary depending on the context. Often, a series of dots is used to indicate an unfinished thought, a pause or break in a sentence, or a continuation of ideas that follow. Dots can also represent missing or censored words. In mathematics and logic, 6 dots may denote an ellipsis, indicating the omission of terms in a sequence or expression. Across different fields from literature to texting, 6 dots generally signify some type of intentional or meaningful gap or omission of content.
In Writing and Literature
In prose and poetry, 6 dots are known as an ellipsis. An ellipsis is used to indicate an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning. Often 3 dots are used as an ellipsis, but 6 dots can be used to emphasize a longer pause or omission. Some key uses of a 6 dot ellipsis in writing include:
- Indicating an unfinished thought or trailing off sentence
- Signaling a pause or hesitation in dialogue
- Building suspense in a story
- Showing interruptions or changes in a character’s speech
- Leaving out part of a quoted text
For example, a 6 dot ellipsis may be used in the closing line of a novel to create an air of mystery: “And as she walked away, she turned back to look at him one last time, until…”.
Difference Between 3 and 6 Dot Ellipses
Both 3 and 6 dot ellipses can be used to signify an intentional omission, but there are some subtle differences:
- 3 dots are more commonly used and understood as an ellipsis. Using just 3 dots helps maintain the flow of the text.
- 6 dots puts more emphasis on the pause or omission, slowing down the pacing more dramatically.
- 6 dots may signal a longer section of text or more significant idea has been left out.
- Stylistically, 6 dots were more commonly used in older literature from the 19th century and early 20th century.
So when using an ellipsis in formal writing, it’s generally best to stick to just 3 dots unless you specifically want to draw out the pause or omission in meaning.
In Texting and Online Communication
In digital communication like texting, chat, social media, and emails, 6 dots oftentake on some additional meanings beyond an unfinished thought or sentence:
- Indicating there is more to say but the message must be broken up (due to character limits in older texting plans)
- Trailing off romantically at the end of a message
- Signaling the message continues in a following text
- Showing thinking, processing, or hesitation before sending more
- Stalling or intentionally drawing out a reply
For example:
Sarah: I wanted to tell you…
Sarah: ………
Sarah: That I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you lately. Want to go to dinner tomorrow?
The 6 dots here build suspense and anticipation, highlighting that Sarah has an important message to share with the recipient. This creative use of 6 dots helps add expression and emotion to digital communication.
Versus Other Punctuation
Using 6 dots for an ellipsis or pause is different than other types of punctuation:
- Dashes (- -) tend to denote an interruption or sudden change rather than a trailing off.
- Commas (,) are shorter, less dramatic pauses.
- Ellipses with spaces between dots ( . . . ) are more formal in published writing.
In Mathematics and Logic
An ellipsis with 6 dots can also symbolize the omission of terms in a mathematical sequence or logical expression. Some key uses in mathematics include:
- Indicating the removal of one or more terms from a repeating series, often replaced by an ellipsis: 1, 2, 3, 4, …
- Showing terms have been omitted from a fraction, equation, or matrix.
- Signaling removal of values within a range: (1…5)
- Standing in for the completion of a pattern in a sequence of numbers, variables, or steps in a proof.
For example:
y = x2 – 2x – 5
…
y = x2 + 4
The 6 dots here imply that multiple steps were completed in between the two equations, but have been omitted for brevity.
Confusion With Other Symbols
It’s important not to confuse the 6 dot mathematical ellipsis with other similar symbols:
- Ellipsis with 3 dots (…): May be used but typically implies fewer terms omitted.
- Em dash (—) or double dash (–): Used for ranges or absolute value, not for omitting content.
- Therefore symbol (∴): Indicates conclusion or logical consequence, not omission.
- Infinity symbol (∞): Represents infinity, not an unknown number of omitted terms.
In Other Fields and Applications
Beyond writing and mathematics, 6 dot ellipses have some additional uses and meanings:
Computer Programming and Coding
In source code or coding syntax:
- An ellipsis represents unspecified additional optional arguments when defining a function.
- It shows a loop where code repeats with values omitted for brevity.
Design and Typography
In graphic or web design:
- An ellipsis represents missing or cropped text, like in a pull quote taken from a longer passage.
- It can signify additional content or tabs are available beyond what is currently visible.
Business and Data
On charts, reports, and statistical data:
- An ellipsis indicates data points have been removed or aggregated intervals to simplify presentation.
- It signals values have been redacted or intentionally omitted for privacy or secrecy.
| Year | Revenue |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $1.2 million |
| 2011 | $1.5 million |
| … | … |
| 2020 | $5.1 million |
Here the 6 dots signify that financial data for the intervening years has been removed from the table for conciseness.
Conclusion
In summary, 6 dots or an ellipsis can represent an intentional omission or pause in content across many different contexts. While often used informally in texting and online writing, 6 dots still convey meaningful gaps and exclusions when used formally in published literature, mathematics, data presentations, and more. Paying attention to how many dots are used can signal subtle differences in the length or significance of the missing content.