What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
effacement
Example
The graffiti on the wall was removed through effacement. [effacement: noun]
Example
She tried to achieve effacement at the party by blending into the background. [effacement: noun]
obliteration
Example
The building was destroyed beyond recognition, leaving only rubble and debris as evidence of its obliteration. [obliteration: noun]
Example
The sensitive information was obliterated from the hard drive to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. [obliterated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obliteration is more commonly used than effacement in everyday language. Obliteration is often associated with violent or destructive events, while effacement is more commonly used in medical and social contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between effacement and obliteration?
Both effacement and obliteration are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, obliteration is more commonly used in military and destructive contexts, which may make it seem more formal or technical than effacement.
