What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Blot vs Efface - What's the difference?

blot | efface | Synonyms |

In transitive terms the difference between blot and efface

is that blot is to obscure; to eclipse; to shadow while efface is to cause to disappear as if by rubbing out or striking out.

As a noun blot

is a blemish, spot or stain made by a coloured substance.

blot

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A blemish, spot or stain made by a coloured substance.
  • * Shakespeare
    • inky blots
  • (by extension) A stain on someone's reputation or character; a disgrace.
  • * Shakespeare
    • This deadly blot in thy digressing son.
  • (biochemistry) The Southern blot analysis (and derived Northern and Western) analytical techniques.
  • (backgammon) an exposed piece in backgammon.

    • Verb

  • to cause a blot (on something) by spilling a coloured substance.
  • to soak up or absorb liquid.
    • This paper blots easily.
  • To dry (writing, etc.) with blotting paper.
  • To spot, stain, or bespatter, as with ink.
  • * Gascoigne
    • The briefe was writte and blotted all with gore.
  • To impair; to damage; to mar; to soil.
  • * Shakespeare
    • It blots thy beauty, as frosts do bite the meads.
  • To stain with infamy; to disgrace.
  • * Rowe
    • Blot not thy innocence with guiltless blood.
  • To obliterate, as writing with ink; to cancel; to efface; generally with out .
    • to blot out a word or a sentence
  • * Dryden
    • One act like this blots out a thousand crimes.
  • To obscure; to eclipse; to shadow.
  • * Cowley
    • He sung how earth blots the moon's gilded wane.

    Derived terms

    * blotting paper * blot out

    Anagrams

    * ----

    efface

    English

    Verb

    (effac)
  • To erase (as anything impressed or inscribed upon a surface); to render illegible or indiscernible.
    • Do not efface what I've written on the chalkboard.
  • * 1825 , , The Talisman , A.L. Burt Company (1832?), 15:
    • An outline of the same device might be traced on his shield, though many a blow had almost effaced the painting.
  • To cause to disappear as if by rubbing out]] or [[strike out, striking out.
    • Some people like to efface their own memories with alcohol.
  • (reflexive) To make oneself inobtrusive as if due to modesty or diffidence.
    • Many people seem shy, but they really just efface for meekness.
  • (medicine) Of the cervix during pregnancy, to thin and stretch in preparation for labor.
    • Some females efface 75% by the 39th week of pregnancy.

    Derived terms

    * effaceable * effacement * effacer * self-effacing

    See also

    * deface ----