Self-effacing — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌself-i-ˈfā-siŋ/ self-ef·fac·ing

Meaning & Definition of Self-effacing

Self-effacing (adjective)

  1. having or showing a tendency to make oneself modestly or shyly inconspicuous

Self-effacing (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not comfortable around people

    "he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl"

    similar: backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, sheepish, shy, withdrawn
    related: antisocial, lone, lone-wolf, unsociable, unsocial, awkward, embarrassed, self-conscious, unadventurous, unassertive, unenterprising, inhibited, reserved, uneasy, uptight
    opposite: extroverted, immodest, outgoing
    near: boon, clubbable, companionable, convivial, gregarious, sociable, social, bold, dashing, forceful, brash, forward, overbold, uninhibited, unreserved

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Self-effacing

The most common words with a similar meaning to Self-effacing:

backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, sheepish, shy, withdrawn

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Self-effacing

Words with the opposite meaning of Self-effacing:

extroverted, immodest, outgoing

Related Words for Self-effacing

antisocial, lone, lone-wolf, unsociable, unsocial, awkward, embarrassed, self-conscious, unadventurous, unassertive, unenterprising, inhibited, reserved, uneasy, uptight

Near Antonyms of Self-effacing

boon, clubbable, companionable, convivial, gregarious, sociable, social, bold, dashing, forceful, brash, forward, overbold, uninhibited, unreserved

Origin & Etymology of Self-effacing

First known use: 1854

Frequently Asked Questions about Self-effacing

What does "Self-effacing" mean?

"Self-effacing" means having or showing a tendency to make oneself modestly or shyly inconspicuous. As an adjective, it is defined as: having or showing a tendency to make oneself modestly or shyly inconspicuous.

What is another word for "Self-effacing"?

Other words for "Self-effacing" include backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest and recessive. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Self-effacing" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Self-effacing"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Self-effacing". Common alternatives include backward, bashful, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring and sheepish.

What is the opposite of "Self-effacing"?

Antonyms of "Self-effacing" include extroverted, immodest and outgoing. Near antonyms include boon, clubbable, companionable and convivial.

How do you use "Self-effacing" in a sentence?

Examples of "Self-effacing" in a sentence: "he's dating a sweet, self-effacing girl".

Is "Self-effacing" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Self-effacing" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Self-effacing"?

"Self-effacing" is pronounced /ˌself-i-ˈfā-siŋ/ and divided into syllables as self-ef·fac·ing.

What is the origin of the word "Self-effacing"?

First known use: 1854.