dele
RareFormal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A proofreading mark signifying "delete"; to delete or remove.
As a noun, a mark or symbol (often δ) instructing deletion. As a verb, the act of deleting or striking out.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the context of proofreading, editing, and printing. Its verb form is an archaism. The contemporary word 'delete' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical usage, as both variants retain the word solely in the specialised context of proofreading.
Connotations
Highly technical, old-fashioned.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties. Most native speakers would be unfamiliar with the term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to dele something (archaic)marked with a deleVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused, except in formal publishing.
Academic
Only in studies of textual criticism or publishing history.
Everyday
Unused.
Technical
Proofreading and printing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor decided to dele the entire paragraph from the manuscript.
- He would dele any phrase he considered superfluous.
American English
- The copyeditor was instructed to dele the redundant sentence.
- She quickly dele'd the offensive term.
adverb
British English
- The correction was made dele style.
- (Usage not standard)
American English
- (Usage not standard)
- (Usage not standard)
adjective
British English
- The dele mark was faint but clear.
- A dele instruction was scrawled in the margin.
American English
- The dele symbol is circled.
- There was a dele notation next to the footnote.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In proofreading, a 'dele' is a mark showing something should be removed.
- The proofreader placed a dele next to the misspelled word.
- The author argued against the editor's dele of a key descriptive passage.
- A series of dele marks indicated the need for significant condensation in the text.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Dele rhymes with 'freely', but you delete it freely.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELETION IS ERASURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не является общим синонимом 'удалить' (delete). Это специальный термин, означающий 'знак удаления'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dele' as a common verb for deletion in modern writing.
- Pronouncing it like 'dell'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern equivalent of the verb 'to dele'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and used almost exclusively in professional proofreading and publishing contexts.
No. Using 'dele' in general communication would sound archaic and confusing. Always use 'delete'.
It is pronounced /ˈdiːli/, rhyming with 'freely'.
The opposite proofreading mark is 'stet' (meaning 'let it stand'), which cancels a deletion.