Enlever vs. ôter vs. retirer

The French verbs 'enlever', 'ôter', and 'retirer' share the common meaning of 'to take off', particularly in the context of removing clothing. However, they can also have other nuances and specific uses. Understanding their subtle differences is key to using them accurately in various contexts.

Enlever

'Enlever' typically means to remove or take away something, with a slightly broader usage extending beyond just clothing. It can imply removing something completely from where it was.
Elle a enlevé son manteau en entrant.
(She took off her coat when she entered.)
Il faut enlever les assiettes de la table après le dîner.
(The plates must be removed from the table after dinner.)

Ôter

'Ôter' usually refers to taking off clothes or accessories, often conveying a sense of gentleness or care in the action. It's also somewhat formal or literary.
Ôtez vos chaussures avant d'entrer, s'il vous plaît.
(Please take off your shoes before entering.)
Elle a ôté son chapeau pour montrer son respect.
(She took off her hat as a sign of respect.)

Retirer

'Retirer' is often used interchangeably with 'enlever', implying the action of taking something off or back, such as clothes, but can also apply to withdrawing money or rescinding an offer.
Il a retiré ses gants pour sentir la texture du tissu.
(He took off his gloves to feel the texture of the fabric.)
Je vais retirer de l'argent au distributeur automatique.
(I am going to withdraw money from the ATM.)

Summary

In conclusion, while 'enlever', 'ôter', and 'retirer' can all be used to describe taking off clothing, they each have their own connotations and uses. 'Enlever' carries a general sense of removal, 'ôter' implies a careful or respectful action often related to attire and is more formal, and 'retirer' bridges between removal and withdrawal in both physical and abstract senses, such as money or offers as well as clothing. Choosing the right word depends on the context and the nuance the speaker wants to convey.