efface Definition
- 1to erase or obliterate something so that it is no longer visible or legible
- 2to make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous
Using efface: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "efface" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The rain had effaced the letters on the gravestone.
Example
He tried to efface himself in the crowd.
Example
She tried to efface the memory of her ex-boyfriend by throwing away all their photos.
Example
The new paint job effaced all signs of the previous color.
efface Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for efface
Antonyms for efface
Phrases with efface
self-effacing
having or showing a tendency to make oneself appear insignificant or unimportant
Example
Despite his success, he remained self-effacing and humble.
Example
He tried to efface himself in the crowd.
Example
She tried to efface the memory of her ex-boyfriend by throwing away all their photos.
Origins of efface
from French 'effacer', from Old French 'esfacier', from Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'facies' (face)
Summary: efface in Brief
'Efface' [ih-feys] means to erase or obliterate something so that it is no longer visible or legible, or to make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous. Examples include 'The rain had effaced the letters on the gravestone.' and 'He tried to efface himself in the crowd.' 'Efface' extends into phrases like 'self-effacing,' describing a tendency to make oneself appear insignificant, and 'efface the memory of,' meaning to try to forget or remove the memory of someone or something.
