Langimage
English

self-effacement

|self/e/face/ment|

C1

/ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsmənt/

modesty

Etymology
Etymology Information

'self-effacement' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'effacement,' where 'effacement' comes from the French word 'effacer,' meaning 'to erase.'

Historical Evolution

'effacer' transformed into the English word 'efface,' and eventually became part of the compound word 'self-effacement.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to erase oneself,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making oneself inconspicuous or modest.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act of making oneself, one's actions, or one's achievements inconspicuous or modest.

Her self-effacement was evident when she refused to take credit for the team's success.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45