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For google translator, erase and delete are the same, "borrar".
Erase or delete?
What is the diference between this words?
For google translator, erase and delete are the same, "borrar".
Re: Erase or delete?
As far as I know, they do mean the same. Only, you can erase with a rubber, on paper, but you cannot delete. Delete is more "techy"
J.
Re: Erase or delete?
The two words are practically interchangeable. They both mean to remove something in one way or another whether it is computer data or words written/printed on paper.
In my opinion there is no real difference between them in common usage, although erase has a little broader range of meanings.
Delete: verb (used with object), de·let·ed, de·let·ing.
to strike out or remove (something written or printed); cancel; erase; expunge
erase: verb (used with object)
to rub or scrape out, as letters or characters written, engraved, etc.; efface.
to eliminate completely: She couldn't erase the tragic scene from her memory.
to obliterate (material recorded on magnetic tape or a magnetic disk): She erased the message.
to obliterate recorded material from (a magnetic tape or disk): He accidentally erased the tape.
Computers . to remove (data) from computer storage.
vicente
Re: Erase or delete?
I also think that to erase is used more frequently in UK English than to delete. Also, when you talk about living creatures (and not about things) you may use "to erase" instead of "to delete" (e.g. to erase a plague off the face of the earth, or Webster's example: "The Turks erased the Armenians in 1915.").
My assumption about "to erase" being also more UK may be backed up by this reference also from Webster's:
Date "Erase" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1550. (references)
Date "Delete" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1818. (references)
Re: Erase or delete?
Hola Gentle! I agree and generally, the same is true in the U.S. Delete would not fit well in your examples. I would probably use "eliminate" but I think it is largely a matter of choice, no?
vicente
Re: Erase or delete?
I agree with you 100%. To eliminate would have been more diplomatic; to erase sounds a bit too hard for me too. In the end it depends on the context and the stress you want to place in your statement.
Re: Erase or delete?
Deleted things can be restored back but erased things cannot
Re: Erase or delete?
Pretty interesting! Thanks Beth!Originally Posted by bethworthy
Re: Erase or delete?
Good point Beth.
vicente
Re: Erase or delete?
Both word are use for removal.Delete is techie word.There are chances that Deleted things can be restored back but if you erase something you can not recover it.So if you want to destroy anything completely then you use erase.
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