self-effacement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-effacement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of not drawing attention to oneself, often in a modest or humble manner. Example: "Her self-effacement was evident when she downplayed her achievements during the award ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is an art of self-effacement.

The New Yorker

You achieve your identity through self-effacement.

The New York Times

The confessional is in, self-effacement optional.

The New York Times - Arts

Self-effacement came easily to Brooks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Self-effacement is his first instinct.

The New York Times

His self-effacement is truly heroic.

The Guardian - Books

Unless it's self-effacement you're expecting.

The New York Times - Arts

All this doesn't read as self-effacement.

The New York Times - Arts

Others, too, it appears, have shelved self-effacement.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has a droll line in self-effacement.

The New Yorker

The task required tact, intelligence and self-effacement.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-effacement" to describe a conscious effort to avoid seeking attention or recognition. Ensure the context reflects a deliberate act, not simply a natural disposition.

Common error

Avoid using "self-effacement" when the intention is to describe a genuine lack of confidence or low self-worth. Self-effacement is a chosen behavior, while low self-esteem is a feeling or belief about oneself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-effacement" primarily functions as a noun, describing the act or quality of keeping oneself in the background. It's often used to characterize someone's behavior or personality, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-effacement" is a noun phrase denoting the act of keeping oneself in the background, often through modesty or humility. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "modesty" and "humility" exist, "self-effacement" specifically emphasizes the action of making oneself less noticeable. When employing this phrase, ensure it reflects a deliberate behavior, not merely a disposition stemming from low self-esteem. Overall, its frequent appearance in reputable sources confirms its proper usage and understanding in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modesty

Focuses on humility in assessing one's own merits, differing from the act of actively keeping oneself in the background.

humility

Emphasizes a low view of one's own importance, contrasting with the intentional act of minimizing oneself.

self-minimization

Highlights the action of reducing one’s own importance or contribution, directly mirroring the core concept of self-effacement.

unassertiveness

Highlights a lack of forceful self-promotion, unlike the deliberate act of making oneself less prominent.

shyness

Implies a timid or reserved nature, distinct from purposefully avoiding attention.

reticence

Suggests a disinclination to speak or draw attention, differing from actively diminishing one's presence.

lack of pretension

Indicates an absence of artificial importance, which is a component of self-effacement but not its entirety.

self-deprecation

Involves belittling or undervaluing oneself, a more direct form of diminishing one's importance than general self-effacement.

understatement

Presents something as less significant than it is, a technique that can contribute to self-effacement.

reserve

Indicates a restrained or controlled manner, which can result in a lack of prominence, similar to the effect of self-effacement.

FAQs

How can I use "self-effacement" in a sentence?

You can use "self-effacement" to describe someone who deliberately avoids attention or downplays their own achievements. For example: "His "self-effacement" was a stark contrast to the boastful nature of his colleagues."

What is a good synonym for "self-effacement"?

A good synonym for "self-effacement" is "modesty". Other options include "humility" or "unassertiveness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "self-effacement" a positive or negative trait?

Whether "self-effacement" is seen as positive or negative depends on the context. In some situations, it can be viewed as a virtue, demonstrating humility and consideration for others. However, excessive "self-effacement" might be perceived as a lack of confidence or an unwillingness to take credit for one's accomplishments.

What's the difference between "self-effacement" and shyness?

"Self-effacement" is a deliberate behavior where someone minimizes their own importance or avoids attention. Shyness, on the other hand, is a feeling of nervousness or discomfort in social situations that may lead to someone avoiding attention, but not necessarily as a conscious choice.