Remove: Definition and Synonyms
Remove – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “remove” primarily functions as a verb. It means to take something away or off from a particular place or position. In other contexts, it can also mean causing someone to cease holding an office or position (e.g., to remove someone from their job). Additionally, in informal usage, “remove” refers to the next course in a formal multi-course meal, typically the main dish.
Core Synonyms
Here are some synonyms for “remove,” presented with brief definitions and example sentences to illustrate their nuances and appropriate contexts.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminate | To completely get rid of something, often implying permanence. | “The company decided to eliminate the outdated software from their systems.” | Formal/Technical |
| Extract | To take out or draw forth, often used for specific elements. | “She extracted a key point from his lengthy speech.” | Academic/Formal |
| Clear | To make an area free of obstacles or clutter; can imply ease. | “Clear the table after dinner.” | Casual/Informal |
| Discard | To throw away as no longer useful, often implying casual action. | “We had to discard the old records due to space limitations.” | Informal/Business |
| Evict | To expel from a property or position; legally binding. | “The tenant was evicted after failing to pay rent for three months.” | Legal/Formal |
| Exile | To banish someone, often as punishment. | “He lived in exile for many years before returning home.” | Historical/Classic |
Usage Notes
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Eliminate is best used in contexts where something is being permanently or definitively done away with. It’s common in technical and business environments.
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Extract implies a level of precision, making it suitable for academic writing when referring to isolating specific components from a larger body.
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Clear has a broader range, from household tasks to more abstract applications (e.g., “clear your mind”), and is widely used in both casual and formal speech.
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Discard is appropriate where the action of throwing away or abandoning is more about practicality than permanence. It’s frequently used in business settings.
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Evict carries a legal implication, making it suitable for discussions about property law or when discussing removals with a formal basis.
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Exile has historical and dramatic connotations, often reserved for severe punishment situations such as those in literature or history.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion is using “remove” interchangeably with its synonyms without regard to their specific nuances. For instance, “eliminate” implies total eradication, whereas “discard” suggests a more casual approach to disposing of something. Additionally, “evict” should not be used lightly as it has legal consequences and implications.
Final Recap
In summary, “remove” can be replaced by various synonyms depending on the context and intended nuance:
- Eliminate for complete removal,
- Extract for precision,
- Clear for tidiness or simplicity,
- Discard for casual disposal,
- Evict for formal expulsion from a property,
- Exile for punitive banishment.
Understanding these subtle differences allows for more precise and varied language use in different contexts. Practicing by writing your own sentences using each synonym can help reinforce their meanings and appropriate usage.