Vocabulary Spotlight

Delete

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To remove or erase written or digital content; to eliminate or discard.

“He accidentally deleted an important file from his computer.”

Pronunciation

[dih-leet]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Erase
Remove
Eliminate
Expunge
Cancel

Antonyms

Restore
Add
Insert
Save
Include

Related Words

Deletion (noun)
Removable (adjective)
Undo (verb)

Word Origin

“Delete” originates from the Latin “delere,” meaning “to wipe out” or “to destroy.” It came into English in the 15th century.

Word Family

Noun: Deletion – The act of deleting or removing.

Verb: Undo – To reverse or cancel a deletion or action.

Mnemonics

Think “delete” as “de-fleet” – like wiping something out quickly, as if removing a fleet from existence.

Industry-specific Usage

Technology

In technology, deleting files or data removes them from digital storage or visibility.

Publishing

In publishing, deleting refers to removing words or sections from manuscripts or drafts.

Education

In education, students may delete incorrect answers when revising or editing their work.

In Context

“Delete” is frequently used in digital and physical contexts to mean removing or discarding unwanted content. It highlights actions in data management, publishing, and various forms of editing.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is an antonym of “Delete”?

Restore
Erase
Cancel
Remove

‘Restore’ is correct, as it is the opposite of delete, which means to remove or erase.

2. Fill in the blank: She decided to _______ all the unnecessary files to free up storage.

insert
save
restore
delete

‘Delete’ is correct, as it describes removing files to make space.

3. In which field is the term “delete” frequently used?

Gardening
Cooking
Technology
Painting

‘Technology’ is correct, as deleting files or data is common in digital contexts.