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efface

verb/ɪˈfeɪs/

definition

to erase or wipe out something from existence

example

The heavy rain seemed to efface the footprints in the mud, leaving no trace of the visitor.

synonyms
eraseobliterateremove
word origin — From Latin 'effacere', meaning 'to wipe out' (ex- 'out' + facere 'to do, make').

efface, encumber, extol, falter, fathom: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 166. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. efface · verb/ɪˈfeɪs/

    to erase or wipe out something from existence

    The heavy rain seemed to efface the footprints in the mud, leaving no trace of the visitor.

    Synonyms: erase, obliterate, remove

    Origin: From Latin 'effacere', meaning 'to wipe out' (ex- 'out' + facere 'to do, make').

  2. encumber · verb/ɪnˈkʌmber/

    to restrict or burden someone or something in a way that makes movement or action difficult

    The new regulations will encumber businesses by imposing excessive paperwork requirements that hinder their operations.

    Synonyms: burden, hinder, impede

    Origin: The word 'encumber' originates from the Old French 'encumber', meaning to hinder or obstruct, which in turn comes from the Vulgar Latin '*incumbere', meaning to lie upon or to burden.

  3. extol · verb/ɪkˈstoʊl/

    to praise highly or enthusiastically

    She was quick to extol the virtues of her team, highlighting their dedication and hard work.

    Synonyms: praise, acclaim, laud

    Origin: from Latin 'extollere', meaning 'to raise up, elevate'; 'ex-' meaning 'up' and 'tollere' meaning 'to lift or raise'.

  4. falter · verb/ˈfɔltɚ/

    to lose strength or purpose and stop or hesitate

    Despite her determination, she began to falter in her confidence as the competition approached.

    Synonyms: hesitate, waver

    Origin: Middle English, from the Old French 'falter' meaning 'to trip, to stumble,' derived from 'falter' which means to 'sway, to stumble', possibly from a Germanic origin.

  5. fathom · verb/ˈfæθ.əm/

    to understand after much thought or to measure the depth of water

    After hours of discussion, I finally managed to fathom the complexities of his reasoning.

    Synonyms: comprehend, grasp, discern

    Origin: The word 'fathom' originates from Old English 'fæðm,' meaning 'to embrace' or 'to encircle,' which relates to its original meaning of measurement, specifically the span of outstretched arms.