WordGarden.ioface
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈeɪs/
US
- /ˈfeɪs/
Meanings
Noun
the front part of a person's head
a facial expression or look
the front or outer surface of something
More meaningsFewer meanings
a public image, reputation, or representative appearance
Verb
to look or point toward something
to confront or deal with a person, situation, or fact
Beyond the definition
We all have a face: the front part of the head with the eyes, nose, and mouth. But "face" is used in other ways too. It can mean the look on someone’s face, showing how they feel. It can also mean the front or outer part of something, like the face of a clock or a building.
As a verb, "face" means to deal with something directly. You can face a problem, face your fears, or face the truth. It can also mean to turn toward a person or thing, as in "He faced the window." In everyday English, "save face" means to avoid shame or keep your respect after something goes wrong.
The word "face" starts with a simple, human meaning: the front part of the head. It is the part with the eyes, nose, and mouth, and it is often the first thing we notice about a person. Because of that, the word naturally grew into several related meanings.
One common meaning is a person’s expression. A happy face, a tired face, or a serious face can quickly show emotion without any words. In this sense, the word is closely tied to mood, feeling, and social communication.
"Face" also means the front, outer, or visible side of something. We talk about the face of a clock, the face of a card, the face of a rock, or the face of a building. In each case, it means the side that is shown, seen, or used most directly.
As a verb, "face" often means to deal with something directly and not avoid it. A person can face danger, face a hard choice, face criticism, or face the consequences of a mistake. This use often carries the idea of bravery, honesty, or simple necessity. The verb can also mean to turn toward something: a house may face the sea, or a student may face the teacher.
The word appears in many everyday phrases. To "save face" means to avoid shame or protect your good name. If two people talk "face-to-face," they meet directly in person. "Face value" means the plain or first appearance of something, without deeper thought. In all of these uses, the word keeps the same core idea: what is in front, what is visible, or what must be met directly.
Examples
- 1
Facial expression
She had a big smile on her face.
- 2
Turning toward
When I said his name, he looked up and faced me.
- 3
Building direction
The kitchen windows face the park.
- 4
Clock part
The clock face was easy to read, even from across the room.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Problem solving
We have to face the problem before it gets worse.
- 6
Business pressure
Many small businesses are facing higher costs this year.
- 7
Unpleasant truth
At some point, you need to face the fact that he isn't coming back.
- Patternface the fact that + clause
accept that something unpleasant is true
- 8
Personal honesty
She finally faced up to how unhappy she was in that job.
- Patternface up to + difficult truth/problem
accept and deal with it
- 9
In-person meeting
After months of calls, they met face to face.
- Phraseface to face
in the same place, not online or by phone
- 10
Hiding laughter
He couldn't keep a straight face when he saw the costume.
- Phrasekeep a straight face
stop yourself from laughing
- 11
Public respect
He apologized in public so the manager wouldn't lose face.
- Phraselose face
feel embarrassed and lose other people's respect
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- back of the head
Used with (collocations)
- wash your face
- make a face
- facial expression
- face to face
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- facenounverb
Forms
- facespluralnounverb
- facing-ing formverbnoun
- facedpast tenseverbnoun