The correct spelling is D-E-L-E-T-E

Delete is spelled with six letters: D, E, L, E, T, E. The word means to remove something permanently — a file from your computer, text from a document, an email from your inbox, or an account from a service. When you delete something, it is gone from that location, though it may still exist in a backup or trash folder temporarily.

The word comes from Latin and is pronounced "dih-LEET" with the stress on the second syllable. The most common misspelling is "delet" (missing the final E), followed by "delite" (using an I instead of the second E). Neither of these is correct in any context.

You will see delete used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb: "Delete that paragraph." As a noun: "Click the delete button." In both cases, the spelling stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Delete is spelled D-E-L-E-T-E with the stress on the second syllable (dih-LEET).
  • The most common mistakes are spelling it "delet" or "delite," both of which are incorrect.
  • Delete means to remove something permanently from a location, though it may still exist in trash or backups.
  • The word works as both a verb (delete the file) and a noun (hit the delete key).

Why the spelling matters in tech writing

If you are writing instructions, documentation, or support articles, spelling delete correctly matters because readers trust clear, accurate writing. A misspelled common word makes the whole piece look careless, even if the technical information is solid. People scanning instructions quickly may also miss the word entirely if it is spelled wrong.

In user interfaces — buttons, menus, dialog boxes — the spelling is always "Delete" with a capital D at the start of a button label. This is standard across Windows, Mac, and most software. Consistency across your writing and your interface builds confidence that you know what you are doing.

Delete versus similar words you might confuse

Discard is sometimes used the same way as delete, but it is a different word with a different spelling. Discard means to throw away or get rid of something, and it has seven letters: D-I-S-C-A-R-D. Some software uses "Discard changes" to mean "throw away edits without saving them."

Remove is another word that can mean something similar in some contexts. Remove is spelled R-E-M-O-V-E and usually means to take something away from a location or a list — like removing a user from a group or removing a device from your account. The item may still exist elsewhere; it is just no longer in that particular place.

Erase is spelled E-R-A-S-E and typically means to wipe out data completely, often at a lower level than delete. You might erase a hard drive to wipe it clean before selling a computer, whereas you delete individual files. Erase is less common in everyday software language.

How delete works in different programs

In most programs, when you delete a file or email, it moves to a trash or recycle bin first. You can usually recover it from there for a period of time — days or weeks, depending on the program. Only when you empty the trash is the item truly gone from that location.

Some programs, especially cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, keep deleted items in a trash folder for 30 days before permanently removing them. Others, like some email clients, let you permanently delete something when ready by holding Shift while you press Delete, or by right-clicking and choosing "Delete permanently."

On a Mac, the equivalent of the Windows Recycle Bin is the Trash. On a phone or tablet, deleted apps or photos usually go to a Recently Deleted folder that empties automatically after 30 days. The principle is the same across all of them: delete moves something out of sight, but it is not truly gone until you empty the trash.

The keyboard shortcut and button labels

The Delete key on most keyboards is labeled "Delete" or "Del." On Windows, pressing Delete usually moves a selected item to the Recycle Bin. On a Mac, the Delete key (sometimes labeled Backspace) deletes the character to the left of your cursor; to delete a file, you usually right-click and choose "Move to Trash."

In dialog boxes and menus, you will see buttons labeled "Delete," "Delete All," or "Delete Permanently." These labels are always spelled the same way. If you are designing an interface or writing instructions, match the exact spelling and capitalization your software uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it "delete" or "delet"?

It is always "delete" with six letters: D-E-L-E-T-E. The word "delet" is a common misspelling and is not correct in any context, including informal writing or memes.

What is the difference between delete and remove?

Delete usually means to move something to trash or remove it from a location entirely. Remove typically means to take something away from a list or group while it may still exist elsewhere — like removing a user from a project or removing an app from your home screen.

Can I get something back after I delete it?

Usually yes, if you act quickly. Most programs move deleted items to trash or a Recently Deleted folder first. You can recover them from there for a period of time — often 30 days. Once you empty the trash, recovery is much harder and may require professional data recovery.

Is the Delete key the same on Mac and Windows?

Not exactly. On Windows, the Delete key moves items to the Recycle Bin. On a Mac, the Delete key (Backspace) deletes characters in text; to delete files, you right-click and choose "Move to Trash." The spelling of the word delete is the same on both, but the key behavior differs.