Remove vs. Delete: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Remove" means to take something away or off from its position; "delete" means to erase or eliminate, especially in digital contexts.
Difference Between Remove and Delete
"Remove" is a versatile term that pertains to the act of taking something away or off from its position or connection. In many contexts, it suggests a physical displacement, such as removing a book from a shelf or a dish from a table. However, it can also refer to non-physical contexts, like removing someone from a position of authority or a name from a list.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
"Delete," on the other hand, is closely associated with erasing or eliminating something, especially within digital or written domains. In computing, for example, one might delete a file from a computer or a contact from a phone. It implies that the item in question is not just being displaced but is being made to disappear entirely.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
While both "remove" and "delete" signify the act of getting rid of something, their usage can often depend on the context. In day-to-day language, one might remove dirt from a shirt, but in a digital setting, they would delete an email or a document. The former can suggest a temporary or reversible action, while the latter often implies permanence.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
To further exemplify, consider a committee list. If a member is not participating, one might remove their name, suggesting they could be added back later. However, if they delete the member's name, it may imply that the decision is more final, and the member won't be considered again.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
In sum, "remove" and "delete" both relate to the act of getting rid of something, but their implications can vary. "Remove" often denotes displacement, while "delete" leans more towards erasure, especially in digital contexts.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
Remove vs. Delete Comparison Chart
Examples
Removing a hat, taking a name off a list
Deleting a file, erasing a written sentence
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
Remove vs. Delete Definitions
◉Remove
To move from a place or position occupied
removed the cups from the table.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To erase or eliminate, especially in digital content.
I accidentally deleted the important email.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To transfer or convey from one place to another
removed the family to Texas.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To omit or exclude from consideration.
The director decided to delete the scene for pacing reasons.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
◉Delete
To make nonexistent or cancel out.
The editor advised him to delete the repetitive section.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To take away; withdraw
removed the candidate's name from consideration.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To cancel, strike out, or make impossible to be perceived
deleted the expletives from the transcript with a marker.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To remove from a document or record
deleted the names from the computer file.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To change one's place of residence or business; move
"In 1751, I removed from the country to the town" (David Hume).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To remove (a file, for example) from a hard drive or other storage medium.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To remove, get rid of or erase, especially written or printed material, or data on a computer or other device.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
Distance or degree of separation or remoteness
"to spill, though at a safe remove, the blood of brave men" (Anthony Burgess).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
(recorded entertainment industry) A remainder of a music or video release.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
(transitive) To move something from one place to another, especially to take away.
He removed the marbles from the bag.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To blot out; to erase; to expunge; to dele; to omit.
I have, therefore, . . . inserted eleven stanzas which do not appear in Sir Walter Scott's version, and have deleted eight.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
(transitive) To discard, set aside, especially something abstract (a thought, feeling, etc.).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Delete
To remove written or printed matter.
She deleted the last sentence to keep the paragraph concise.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To dismiss or discharge from office.
The President removed many postmasters.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
A dish served to replace an earlier one during a meal; a part of a new course.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
(British) at some public schools A division of the school, especially the form prior to last
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May 03, 2023
◉Remove
(dated) The transfer of one's home or business to another place; a move.
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May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To move away from the position occupied; to cause to change place; to displace; as, to remove a building.
Thou shalt not remove thy neighbor's landmark.
When we had dined, to prevent the ladies' leaving us, I generally ordered the table to be removed.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To cause to leave a person or thing; to cause to cease to be; to take away; hence, to banish; to destroy; to put an end to; to kill; as, to remove a disease.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To dismiss or discharge from office; as, the President removed many postmasters.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To change place in any manner, or to make a change in place; to move or go from one residence, position, or place to another.
Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,I can not taint with fear.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
The act of removing; a removal.
This place should be at once both school and university, not needing a remove to any other house of scholarship.
And drags at each remove a lengthening chain.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
The transfer of one's business, or of one's domestic belongings, from one location or dwelling house to another; - in the United States usually called a move.
It is an English proverb that three removes are as bad as a fire.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
That which is removed, as a dish removed from table to make room for something else.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
The distance or space through which anything is removed; interval; distance; stage; hence, a step or degree in any scale of gradation; specifically, a division in an English public school; as, the boy went up two removes last year.
A freeholder is but one remove from a legislator.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
degree of figurative distance or separation;
just one remove from madness
it imitates at many removes a Shakespearean tragedy
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, taking off, etc. or remove something abstract;
remove a threat
remove a wrapper
Remove the dirty dishes from the table
take the gun from your pocket
This machine withdraws heat from the environment
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
dispose of;
Get rid of these old shoes!
The company got rid of all the dead wood
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
shift the position or location of, as for business, legal, educational, or military purposes;
He removed his children to the countryside
Remove the troops to the forest surrounding the city
remove a case to another court
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
kill intentionally and with premeditation;
The mafia boss ordered his enemies murdered
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May 03, 2023
◉Remove
get rid of something abstract;
The death of her mother removed the last obstacle to their marriage
God takes away your sins
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023
◉Remove
To take something away from a location.
He decided to remove the painting from the wall.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To displace or shift from a position.
She removed her shoes before entering the house.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To take off clothing or accessories.
After the event, he removed his tie and relaxed.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To eliminate or get rid of.
The chef removed the burnt toast from the plate.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Remove
To dismiss from a position or role.
The board voted to remove the CEO due to misconduct.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Remove vs. Delete Frequently Asked Questions
Can "remove" be used in digital contexts?
Yes, but it's less common than "delete" in such scenarios.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Is "delete" used in non-digital contexts?
Yes, like when referring to erasing written content.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Does "remove" always imply a reversible action?
Not always, but it often carries a less permanent connotation than "delete."
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
Is "remove" more physical in its implications?
It can be, as in removing an object from a place, but it also has non-physical uses.
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
What's the primary distinction between remove and delete?
Remove often implies displacement, while delete suggests erasure.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Can "delete" suggest permanence?
Yes, especially in digital contexts where data is erased.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
Does "delete" always mean something is gone forever?
In digital contexts, often, but some systems allow for recovery.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
When editing text, which is more appropriate?
"Delete" is commonly used, but "remove" can be used if the text is set aside or relocated.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
In terms of actions, how do "remove" and "delete" differ?
Remove often means to take away, while delete means to erase or make nonexistent.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
Which term is more common in computer language?
"Delete" is more prevalent when referring to eliminating files or data.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.