Comparisons Wiki

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.
Remove vs. Delete

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

Definition

To take something away or off
To erase or eliminate
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023

Context

Physical and non-physical settings
Mainly digital or written domains
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023

Implication

Often temporary or reversible
Implies permanence
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023

Associated Action

Displacement
Erasure
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023

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

Remove

To take off
removed my boots.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 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 obliterate or destroy.
The virus deleted all the data on my computer.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023

Remove

To do away with; eliminate
remove a stain.
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

Remove

To dismiss from an office or position.
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

Remove

To go away; depart.
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

To be removable
paint that removes with water.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

To defeat or dominate.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

The act of removing; removal.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

To kill or murder.
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

(computing) A deletion.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

(transitive) To delete.
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

(uncountable) Delete
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

To replace a dish within a course.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

(computing) The delete character (U+007F or %7F).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

(transitive) To murder.
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

To dismiss a batsman.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

remove or make invisible;
Please delete my name from your list
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

(transitive) To discard, set aside, especially something abstract (a thought, feeling, etc.).
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

wipe out magnetically recorded information
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

To depart, leave.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Delete

cut or eliminate;
she edited the juiciest scenes
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

(intransitive) To change one's residence; to move.
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

The act of removing something.
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
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

A step or gradation (as in the phrase "at one remove")
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

Distance in time or space; interval.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

Emotional distance or indifference.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

(dated) The transfer of one's home or business to another place; a move.
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

The act of resetting a horse's shoe.
Muazma Batool
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

The state of being removed.
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

The act of resetting a horse's shoe.
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

remove from a position or an office
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

cause to leave;
The teacher took the children out of the classroom
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

go away or leave;
He absented himself
Muazma Batool
May 03, 2023

Remove

kill intentionally and with premeditation;
The mafia boss ordered his enemies murdered
Muazma Batool
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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Written by
Muazma Batool
As 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.

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