Pronunciation: [sˈɛlf ɪfˈe͡ɪsɪz] (IPA) 
Self effaces is spelled as [self i-fey-siz]. The word 'self' refers to an individual while 'effaces' means to erase or make oneself unnoticeable. The pronunciation of the word 'effaces' is [i-fey-siz]. The stress falls on the second syllable 'fa' in 'effaces'. The letter 'e' is pronounced as 'i' and the final letter 's' is pronounced as 'iz'. 'Self effaces' refers to the act of making oneself unobtrusive or humble.
Self-effaces, verb:
Self-effaces is the third person singular form of the verb "self-efface", which is an action taken by an individual to deliberately make themselves less noticeable, less prominent, or less important in a situation. It refers to the act of consciously diminishing one's own presence or significance in order to allow others to take center stage or to prioritize the needs and well-being of others over one's own.
When a person self-effaces, they choose to fade into the background, to downplay their own achievements, or to avoid seeking attention or recognition for their actions or qualities. This behavior may stem from a sense of humility, modesty, or selflessness, where the individual sees themselves as less important than others or believes that their own desires or contributions should not take precedence.
Self-effacing can manifest in various ways, such as refraining from speaking up in a group discussion, declining credit or praise for accomplishments, or avoiding attention-grabbing behaviors or appearance. It may be seen as a commendable trait, as it often signals a person's willingness to prioritize the needs and happiness of others, and their ability to work collaboratively while placing the spotlight on others.
In summary, self-effacing behavior involves intentionally diminishing one's own presence or achievements, often with the goal of allowing others to shine or prioritizing their needs.
The term "self-effaces" is derived from two words: "self" and "efface". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Self: The word "self" originated from the Old English word "sylf", which was used to refer to the individual person or ego. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language, where it was represented as "selbaz".
2. Efface: The word "efface" came from the Old French term "effacer", meaning "to erase" or "to rub out". It can be further traced back to the Latin word "exfacere", composed of "ex" (meaning "out") and "facere" (meaning "to make"). Thus, "efface" originally meant "to make something go out" or "to obliterate".
