Meaning and Usage
"抹杀" literally combines "抹" (to apply or wipe) and "杀" (to kill), but together it means "to erase completely" or "to obliterate." It is often used to describe the act of completely removing something from memory, record, or existence, such as mistakes, history, or contributions.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or serious contexts, such as discussions about history, reputation, or records. It implies a thorough and often intentional erasure, not just a casual deletion.
Collocations and Patterns
- 抹杀错误 (to erase mistakes): used when someone tries to deny or hide errors.
- 抹杀历史 (to erase history): often used in political or social discussions about acknowledging or denying past events.
- 抹杀贡献 (to erase contributions): used when someone's efforts or achievements are ignored or denied.
Usage Notes
"抹杀" carries a strong connotation of intentional and complete removal, often with a negative implication of unfairness or injustice. It differs from simpler words like "删除" (to delete) which can be more neutral or technical. Avoid using "抹杀" for minor or accidental removals.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "抹杀" with "杀" alone, which means "to kill" literally. "抹杀" is metaphorical and used for erasing intangible things like memories or records.
Meaning and Usage
"抹杀" literally combines "抹" (to apply or wipe) and "杀" (to kill), but together it means "to erase completely" or "to obliterate." It is often used to describe the act of completely removing something from memory, record, or existence, such as mistakes, history, or contributions.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or serious contexts, such as discussions about history, reputation, or records. It implies a thorough and often intentional erasure, not just a casual deletion.
Collocations and Patterns
- 抹杀错误 (to erase mistakes): used when someone tries to deny or hide errors.
- 抹杀历史 (to erase history): often used in political or social discussions about acknowledging or denying past events.
- 抹杀贡献 (to erase contributions): used when someone's efforts or achievements are ignored or denied.
Usage Notes
"抹杀" carries a strong connotation of intentional and complete removal, often with a negative implication of unfairness or injustice. It differs from simpler words like "删除" (to delete) which can be more neutral or technical. Avoid using "抹杀" for minor or accidental removals.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "抹杀" with "杀" alone, which means "to kill" literally. "抹杀" is metaphorical and used for erasing intangible things like memories or records.
Meaning and Usage
"抹杀" literally combines "抹" (to apply or wipe) and "杀" (to kill), but together it means "to erase completely" or "to obliterate." It is often used to describe the act of completely removing something from memory, record, or existence, such as mistakes, history, or contributions.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or serious contexts, such as discussions about history, reputation, or records. It implies a thorough and often intentional erasure, not just a casual deletion.
Collocations and Patterns
- 抹杀错误 (to erase mistakes): used when someone tries to deny or hide errors.
- 抹杀历史 (to erase history): often used in political or social discussions about acknowledging or denying past events.
- 抹杀贡献 (to erase contributions): used when someone's efforts or achievements are ignored or denied.
Usage Notes
"抹杀" carries a strong connotation of intentional and complete removal, often with a negative implication of unfairness or injustice. It differs from simpler words like "删除" (to delete) which can be more neutral or technical. Avoid using "抹杀" for minor or accidental removals.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "抹杀" with "杀" alone, which means "to kill" literally. "抹杀" is metaphorical and used for erasing intangible things like memories or records.