Definitions
01to remove data or text
A2 · Elementary Computing
v. to remove words, files, or pictures from a computer or a document.
v. to remove or erase recorded information, particularly digital data or written text. Transitive — requires a direct object.
日本語:削除する※
Español:deletear
“I accidentally deleted the wrong photo from my phone.”
“The system administrator had to delete several redundant files to free up space on the primary server before the update could proceed.”
Usage
Commonly used with digital objects like files, emails, and folders.
02to kill or defeat
C2 · Proficiency Slang
v. to kill someone or to completely defeat an opponent in a game.
v. to murder a person or to decisively dominate an opponent in a competitive digital environment.
日本語:消す※
“The main character was deleted in the final episode of the show.”
“In the high-stakes tournament, the underdog team managed to delete their rivals in a matter of minutes.”
Teaching tip
This is a metaphorical extension of the computing sense; it is very informal and often found in gaming communities or internet subcultures.
03the keyboard key
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. the specific button on a computer keyboard used to remove text.
n. the physical key on a computer keyboard that removes the character following the cursor or deletes selected objects.
日本語:デリート※
“Press delete to remove the highlighted sentence.”
“On most modern keyboards, the delete key is positioned near the backspace key but performs a distinct function by erasing text from left to right.”
Usage
Often used as a proper noun 'Delete' when referring to the specific label on the key.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “delete” in context.
Verb
01. accidentally delete the file
“I accidentally deleted the file before I had a chance to save a backup copy.”
adv + verb
02. delete the entire paragraph
“The editor suggested that I delete the entire paragraph to make the introduction more concise.”
verb + adj + noun
03. permanently delete the data
“Once you empty the trash, the system will permanently delete the data from your hard drive.”
adv + verb
04. select and delete
“You can select and delete multiple photos at once by holding down the shift key.”
verb + and + verb
Noun
05. option to delete
“Users should always have the option to delete their personal information from the database.”
noun + infinitive
06. press the delete key
“If you want to remove the character to the right of the cursor, simply press the delete key.”
noun + noun
Adverb
07. delete immediately
“If you receive a suspicious email from an unknown sender, you should delete it immediately.”
verb + adv
Real-World Examples
“They've since deleted several of their messages to the account.” “Appreciate your interest the story."
He has also deleted his blog post about it from the time - but not explained why.” Etymology
From Latin dēlētus, past participle of dēlēre (“destroy, blot out, efface”), from dēlēvī, originally perf. tense of dēlinere (“to daub, erase by smudging”), from dē- (“from, away”) + linere (“to smear, wipe”). Original sense first appears c. 1495. In common use for ordering the absence of features of products (such as automobiles) in the 1960s. The computing sense, including the noun form, first appears c. 1977 in Software: Practice & Experience. Not related to deleterious. Doublet of delible and deleble.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/delete
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0