Systems and methods for distinguishing between a gesture tracing out a word and a wiping motion on a touch-sensitive keyboard are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a method includes: displaying a plurality of keys on the touch-sensitive keyboard. The method also includes: detecting a contact at the plurality of keys, followed by a sliding movement of the contact. The method also includes: automatically determining whether the user is tracing out a word. In accordance with a determination that the user is tracing out a word, the method includes: displaying one or more characters. In accordance with a determination that the sliding movement corresponds to a wiping motion, forgoing display of characters contacted during the sliding movement of the contact. The wiping motion includes an input that simultaneously contacts multiple keys and moves as the input remains in contact with multiple keys.