dele
Definition
Noun:
- A proofreading mark: In printing and publishing, "dele" refers to a symbol (often resembling a loop or a stylized "d") used to indicate that a letter, word, or line should be removed from the text.
Verb:
- To mark for deletion: To use the "dele" symbol or instruction to indicate that something in a manuscript or proof should be taken out.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The editor placed a dele next to the redundant sentence. (The editor marked the sentence for removal using the proofreading symbol.)
- A dele in the margin told the typesetter to omit that paragraph. (The symbol instructed the printer to delete that section.)
Verb:
- Please dele the unnecessary commas from this paragraph. (Please mark the commas for deletion using the symbol.)
- The proofreader deled several repeated words in the article. (The proofreader indicated that those words should be removed.)
Advanced Usage
"dele" as a command: In editorial instructions, "dele" is used as a concise imperative meaning "delete."
- The author wrote "dele" in red ink next to the second paragraph. (The author commanded the deletion of that paragraph.)
In digital contexts: While rare, "dele" can be used informally in editing software to mean "remove."
- Use the dele function to eliminate the extra space. (Remove the space using the delete command.)
Variants and Related Words
Deletion (n): the act of removing something, especially from written text.
- The deletion of the entire chapter was necessary for clarity. (The removal was required.)
Delete (v): a more common synonym for "dele," meaning to remove or erase.
- Please delete the old file from the computer. (Remove the file permanently.)
Synonyms
- Remove: to take away or eliminate.
- Omit: to leave out or exclude.
- Strike out: to cross out or delete (often used in editing).
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly applicable: "Dele" is not typically used in phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms
- None directly applicable: "Dele" is a specialized term without common idiomatic usage.