self-effacing
|self-e-fac-ing|
C1
/ˌsɛlf ɪˈfeɪsɪŋ/
modest and inconspicuous
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-effacing' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'efface,' where 'efface' meant 'to erase or make oneself inconspicuous.'
Historical Evolution
'efface' transformed from the French word 'effacer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'efface' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to erase or make oneself inconspicuous,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not claiming attention for oneself; retiring and modest.
Despite his achievements, he remained self-effacing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41