delete
English meaning: Delete
Definition
A key that may be pressed to delete something (such as text or files) from a computer.
Example
“Press delete to remove the highlighted text.”
Another example: “Be careful not to accidentally delete the whole folder.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A computing verb and noun meaning to remove text, files or data ('delete the file', 'press delete'). Very common in technology and everyday digital life. The 'Delete' key on a keyboard is referred to by this name. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'deletus', past participle of 'delere' ('to destroy, wipe out, efface'), from the 15th century.
Related Words
- backspace
- deletion
- cursor
- cookies
- rename
- sql
- folder
- incremental
- files
- insert
Common Collocations
- delete a file
- press delete
- delete the message
- permanently delete
- delete history
- delete account
Word Forms
delete (v); deletes; deleted; deleting; deletion (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B