'Three dots' can mean several different characters. Here's how to tell them apart and when to use each.
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…
The three-dot family
| Symbol | Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| … | Horizontal ellipsis U+2026 | Trailing off… in normal writing |
| ⋯ | Midline ellipsis U+22EF | Math: 1 + 2 + ⋯ + n |
| ⋮ | Vertical ellipsis U+22EE | Menus (kebab ⋮), matrices |
| ⋰ ⋱ | Diagonal ellipses | Matrices |
| ∴ | Therefore U+2234 | Logic and proofs |
| ∵ | Because U+2235 | Logic and proofs |
| ⁝ | Tricolon U+205D | Vertical separator |
… or three periods?
The single character … takes 1 character instead of 3, never breaks across lines, and is spaced evenly. Many phones turn three typed periods into … automatically. In formal writing either is fine; just be consistent.
How to type …
Windows: Alt + 0133. Mac: Option + ;. iPhone: long-press the period key or type three periods. HTML: ….
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Ellipsis
…
Midline ellipsis
⋯
Vertical ellipsis
⋮
Therefore
∴
Questions
What is the three-dot menu icon called?
The vertical one ⋮ is often called the 'kebab menu'. The horizontal ⋯ is the 'meatballs menu'.
What does ∴ mean?
Therefore. It's used in math and logic before a conclusion.
Is … one character?
Yes, the horizontal ellipsis U+2026 is one character.