Historians often ELIDE or omit specific anecdotes or even significant details as a deliberate strategy to shape a particular national narrative. For example, early biographers of George Washington often ELIDED anecdotes about his short temper and the harsh realities of managing a large plantation with a large slave labor force. By ELIDING these flaws, the authors crafted an idealized figure who symbolized American virtue.
ELIDING awkward details is not limited to nineteenth century biographers. During the Cold War era, textbooks strove to present a “Consensus History” that ELIDED disturbing incidents in American history such as the Trail of Tears, Japanese internment, and the Tulsa Race Riot.
ELIDE has begun to appear as an answer choice in a number of vocabulary in context questions. Thus far, it has been a wrong answer. But that could change on future tests!
ELIDE – to omit or suppress