efface
/ɪˈfeɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈfeɪs/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈfās e-/ (ame, mw)
efface — verb
- effacepresent simple I / you / we / they
- effaceshe / she / it
- effacedpast simple
- effacing-ing form
1. to remove something completely so that no trace of it remains — used for physica
to remove something completely so that no trace of it remains — used for physical marks, written words, memories, or signs that something once existed
Diego tried to efface the pencil marks from the old map.
collocation: efface marks
Rain and wind had effaced the names carved into the stone.
Amina wanted to efface every memory of that painful year.
The old inscription was almost completely effaced by centuries of weathering.
No apology could efface the hurt he had caused his sister.
- erase
less formal; the everyday word for removing marks, especially on paper or a board
- obliterate
stronger, implying total destruction so that nothing remains
- expunge
formal, used especially for removing records, names, or unwanted information from official documents
- wipe out
informal; suggests complete elimination, often of groups, places, or memories
文法句型
efface + something
用法筆記
Used for physical marks, inscriptions, or figurative traces such as memories or emotional pain. Often appears in passive constructions ('was effaced by time').
2. to keep yourself from being noticed; to deliberately stay in the background and
to keep yourself from being noticed; to deliberately stay in the background and not draw attention to your own achievements, abilities, or presence
Yuki effaced herself at the party, quietly helping in the kitchen.
reflexive: efface oneself
Despite winning the award, Soren effaced himself and praised his team.
Fatima had learned to efface herself in meetings to avoid conflict.
The new intern effaced himself so well that nobody remembered his name.
Rashida effaced herself behind a quiet smile while others took credit.
- self-effacing
the more common adjective form, describing a person who does not seek attention
- modest
more general; not specifically about actively hiding achievements or presence
- self-deprecating
specifically about making fun of oneself or downplaying worth, rather than just staying unnoticed
- retiring
describes a shy personality that naturally avoids attention, rather than a deliberate act
- assert oneself
to make one's presence, opinions, or rights clearly known
- flaunt
to show off achievements or qualities openly, the direct opposite of effacing oneself
文法句型
efface + oneself
用法筆記
Almost always used reflexively with 'oneself'. Distinguished from sense 1 by the reflexive object — you efface yourself rather than effacing an external thing. Common in the adjective form 'self-effacing'.