In English vocabulary and competitive exams, which of the following words is the best antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word "efface"?

Introduction / Context:
Efficient exam preparation in English vocabulary often requires a clear understanding of synonyms and antonyms. The word "efface" appears frequently in competitive exams and reading comprehension passages. Knowing its exact meaning and the correct opposite meaning helps candidates avoid confusion when two or more options look similar at first glance. This question tests whether the learner can correctly identify the antonym of "efface" from a list of closely related words.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The target word is "efface".
- We are asked to find its antonym, that is, a word with the opposite meaning.
- The options include several words related to removal or destruction and one related to creation.

Concept / Approach:
The verb "efface" means to wipe out, to rub out, to erase, or to make something disappear or insignificant. It can be used literally, for example to efface writing on a wall, or figuratively, such as effacing memories or effacing one's personality. An antonym must therefore convey the idea of bringing something into existence, making it clear, or establishing it firmly. Words that also mean erase or remove are synonyms, not antonyms, and must be eliminated carefully.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "efface" means to erase, wipe out, or remove all trace of something. Step 2: Examine "erase". It clearly means to rub out or remove writing, marks, or memories. This is a synonym of "efface". Step 3: Examine "obliterate". It means to destroy completely or wipe out. This again is a synonym, not an opposite. Step 4: Examine "delete". It means to remove or erase written or printed matter, or data. This is also similar in sense to "efface". Step 5: Examine "create". It means to bring something into existence, to produce, or to generate something new. This is the opposite of wiping out or erasing, so it is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
One quick way to verify the answer is to place "efface" and each option into a simple sentence and see whether the meaning reverses or matches. For example, "The sculptor tried to efface the old inscription" suggests removing it. If we say "The sculptor tried to create the old inscription", the meaning completely reverses, which is expected for an antonym. If we try "erase", "obliterate", or "delete" instead of "efface", the meaning of the sentence remains almost the same, confirming that those options are synonyms, not antonyms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "erase" means to rub out or remove marks or memories, so it is a close synonym of "efface".
- "obliterate" means to destroy completely or wipe out, again very similar in idea to effacing something.
- "delete" is commonly used for removing written text or digital data and also matches the idea of removing or effacing.
None of these expresses the idea of bringing something into being or making it stand out, so they cannot be antonyms.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake in antonym questions is to select a familiar synonym because it feels strongly associated with the word in the question. Since many learners remember "efface" from contexts like "efface the memory" or "efface the writing", they may be drawn immediately to "erase" or "delete". Another frequent error is to rely on sound or spelling similarity rather than meaning. Careful reading and focusing on the idea of opposite meaning rather than similar meaning helps prevent such errors in vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The best antonym of "efface" among the given options is create.