self-effacing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "self-effacing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is humble and does not seek or accept attention or praise. Example sentence: "Molly was a self-effacing worker who was always ready to help her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Self-effacing indeed.

Independent

Posey is self-effacing.

The New York Times

"Very intelligent, self-effacing.

The New Yorker

He is also self-effacing.

The New York Times

Lovett is excessively self-effacing.

The New Yorker

She's self-effacing and brilliant.

The New York Times - Books

Raf is very self-effacing.

The New Yorker

She was comfortingly self-effacing".

The New Yorker

How self-effacing.

The New York Times - Food

"He's not self-effacing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pogo himself is a self-effacing possum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-effacing" when you want to describe someone who downplays their own accomplishments and avoids seeking attention. It's particularly effective when highlighting a contrast with more boastful individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "self-effacing" merely to describe shyness. While a self-effacing person might be shy, the term specifically implies a conscious effort to diminish one's own importance, not just general social discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-effacing" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing someone's behavior, attitude, or style as modest and downplaying their own importance. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-effacing" is a valuable adjective for describing individuals who are modest and avoid seeking attention. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "self-effacing", ensure you're accurately conveying a genuine lack of self-promotion, not just simple shyness or an attempt at fishing for compliments. Consider alternatives like "modest", "humble", or "unassuming" for nuanced meanings. Remember, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase can be used to show admiration for someone's humbleness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest

Focuses on having a moderate estimation of one's abilities or achievements.

humble

Emphasizes a low view of one's own importance; similar to modesty but can also imply deference.

unassuming

Highlights a lack of pretension or arrogance, blending well with the core meaning.

retiring

Stresses the avoidance of attention or publicity.

reserved

Implies a restrained and private demeanor, keeping one's achievements quiet.

unpretentious

Underscores the lack of artificiality or showiness in behavior and attitude.

diffident

Emphasizes a lack of confidence and hesitation to put oneself forward.

demure

Suggests modesty and shyness, particularly in women.

self-deprecating

Involves humorously belittling oneself, which can overlap with being self-effacing.

understated

Highlights a subtle and restrained quality in presentation or style.

FAQs

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

You can use "self-effacing" to describe someone who avoids seeking attention and downplays their accomplishments. For example, "Despite his many awards, he remained a "self-effacing" leader."

What are some synonyms for "self-effacing"?

Synonyms for "self-effacing" include "modest", "humble", and "unassuming". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to be "self-effacing" or confident?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the context. While "self-effacing" behavior can be seen as humble and likable, confidence is often necessary for leadership and achieving goals. A balance of both is often ideal.

What's the difference between "self-effacing" and "self-deprecating"?

"Self-effacing" describes someone who downplays their own achievements and avoids seeking attention. "Self-deprecating", on the other hand, involves humorously belittling oneself. While both can overlap, self-deprecation often seeks a reaction or validation, while being "self-effacing" is generally more sincere and less attention-seeking.