efface
C1formal, literary, technical
Definition
Meaning
To erase, wipe out, or make something disappear.
To make oneself seem insignificant or to withdraw from notice; to remove all traces of something, whether physical, digital, or in memory.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used metaphorically, especially for 'efface oneself' (to be self-effacing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in literary/formal British English.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties; slightly higher frequency in British academic/historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
efface something (transitive)efface oneself (reflexive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “self-effacing (modest, not drawing attention to oneself)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'The company tried to efface all traces of the failed campaign.'
Academic
Common in history/literature: 'The regime sought to efface the cultural identity of the minority.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for humour or emphasis: 'I wish I could efface that embarrassing memory.'
Technical
Used in art restoration/philology: 'The chemical treatment helped efface the graffiti from the fresco.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Time had effaced the inscription on the old tombstone.
- He was a self-effacing chap who avoided the limelight.
American English
- The software can efface all your browsing history.
- She effaced herself from the debate, letting others take credit.
adverb
British English
- He stood effacingly at the back of the room.
American English
- She smiled effacingly, downplaying her own role.
adjective
British English
- The effaceable pencil marks were soon removed.
- He has an effaceable presence in meetings.
American English
- The data is stored in an effaceable format.
- Her contribution was not effaceable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please efface this whiteboard after the lesson.
- He is too self-effacing; he should speak up more.
- The dictator ordered his predecessors' achievements to be effaced from public records.
- Her natural modesty caused her to efface herself in group situations.
- Centuries of weathering had utterly effaced the intricate carvings on the monolith.
- The novel explores the protagonist's struggle to efface the traumatic memories of her past.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EFFACE = ERASE FACE. Imagine wiping a face off a portrait.
Conceptual Metaphor
ERASING IS DESTROYING / MODESTY IS MAKING ONESELF INVISIBLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'effect' (последствие, эффект).
- The Russian verb 'стирать' is a good general equivalent for physical erasing, but for 'efface oneself' consider 'держаться в тени', 'быть скромным'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'deface' (to spoil the surface). 'Deface a poster' vs. 'Efface a memory'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'erase' or 'delete' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'efface' in the context 'to efface a painful memory'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal/literary word. 'Erase', 'wipe out', or 'get rid of' are more common in casual conversation.
'Efface' means to erase or remove completely. 'Deface' means to spoil the surface or appearance of something, e.g., by drawing on it.
It describes a person who does not like to draw attention to themselves; modest, retiring, humble.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically, e.g., 'efface data from a hard drive', though 'erase' or 'wipe' are more typical technical terms.