efface
ih-FAYS
ɪˈfeɪs
To erase (a mark) from a surface; to make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous.
Efface implies a rubbing out or a wearing away over time, like wind eroding a statue.
The story behind the word. From the French 'effacer,' meaning to remove the face or surface of something.
Word relationships
- obliterate: Obliterate is more violent and sudden; efface is often gradual.
- engrave: Engrave is to carve a mark deeply and permanently into a surface.
Commonly confused with
- erase: Erase is the common word for removing marks; efface is more formal and literary.
Word family
- effacement (noun): The act of effacing.
Collocations
- self-effacing
- efface the memory
- efface the past
Example sentences
- "The relentless waves eventually began to efface the names carved into the rock." Nature
- "He attempted to efface himself from the conversation, standing quietly in the corner." Social behavior
Memory hook
Efface = Erase the Face. Rub it out.
When not to use
Don't use it for simple deleting of a file; use it for the gradual or physical removal of a trace.
Fun facts
- The term 'self-effacing' is a compliment for someone who is modest and doesn't seek attention.
Explore more words
self-effacing, Erode, expunge, indelible, evanescent, inscribe
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.