Omittance

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of leaving something out either intentionally or unintentionally
2. A failure to include or mention something that should be present
3. The process of excluding or neglecting to add an element or detail

Etymology: The noun in question traces back to the verb "omit," which itself derives from the Latin "omittere," meaning "to let go, leave out, or neglect." This Latin root combines "ob-" meaning "away" and "mittere," meaning "to send or let go." The idea of sending something away or deliberately leaving it out is at the heart of the concept. In English, "omit" surfaced around the 15th century, carrying the sense of leaving something out, whether intentionally or accidentally. The noun form that records the act or instance of omission emerged later by adding the suffix "-ance," a common way to form nouns from verbs indicating a state or quality. In this case, "omittance" came to denote the state or action of omitting. While "omission" is far more prevalent today as the noun form, "omittance" appears occasionally in historical texts and legal or formal contexts. Both share the same Latin origin but differ slightly in usage and frequency. The suffix "-ance" often imparts a more abstract or formal tone compared to "-sion," which is more common and versatile. Thus, this term encapsulates a linguistic pathway from Latin through Middle English, reflecting the enduring human concern with what is left unsaid, neglected, or excluded. Its rarity today makes it a subtle alternative to the more familiar "omission," preserving the same essential meaning with a slightly archaic flavor.

Synonyms: exclusion, neglect, overlooking

Antonyms: inclusion, addition