What does efface mean?
Word: Efface
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Efface means to rub or wear something away so that it can no longer be seen.
Synonyms: obliterate
How do you spell efface?
Syllables: ef - face
Tricky part: Two f's stand together here. Eface is the usual slip, as the sound gives no hint of the pair.
Watch out for: eface, effase
Memory tip: Efface a mark and it is fully finished: two f words for the two f's.
Efface in a sentence
Example 1: Time had nearly effaced the old painting on the school's outer wall.
Example 2: Sea spray can efface the lettering on a boat within a few years.
Example 3: No amount of scrubbing could efface the ink stain from the desk.
Fun Fact
It came into English from French over five hundred years ago. A coin worn smooth by many hands is a classic example: its design has been effaced.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to form a word:
_ffac_
a) e, i
b) e, e
c) i, e
d) a, e
Show answer
b) e, e. The same vowel opens and closes the word, and the closing one is silent.
Mingle-Mangle
Unscramble the jumbled word in the sentence and choose the correct word:
Blowing sand will slowly cefeaf the old carving on the rock.
a) effect
b) affect
c) suffice
d) efface
Show answer
d) efface. With no t in the jumble, affect and effect are out, and suffice would need a u.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word efface as used in the sentence:
Thousands of footsteps had begun to efface the pattern on the old palace floor.
a) repair
b) protect
c) display
d) erase
Show answer
d) erase. Feet slowly wear the pattern off, so in time they erase it.
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word:
1. efface 2. inscription 3. manuskript 4. parchment
a) to wear away a mark or design
b) words cut into stone or metal
c) a book or text written by hand
d) thin writing material from animal skin
Show answer
c) a book or text written by hand. Manuscript takes a c, not a k, as script does.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A self-effacing captain is one who ____.
a) talks about her own runs often
b) gives the praise to the others
c) wants a bigger photo in the paper
d) asks for her name on the trophy
Show answer
b) gives the praise to the others
2. Over time, what might efface the writing on a shop sign?
a) a lamp lit beside it at night
b) a bird sitting on the pole
c) people stopping to read it
d) years of strong sun and rain
Show answer
d) years of strong sun and rain
