Facade
fəˈsɑːd
Definitions
2 meaningsThe principal front of a building, that faces the street or an open space.
fəˈsɑːd
The front of a building
The old mansion had a grand, marble facade.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking down the street and looking at the building. The facade is the front of the building that you see! Think of it like the face of a person, but for a building.
👶 For kids: The front part of a building.
More Examples
The architect designed a modern facade for the new office building.
The building's facade was damaged in the earthquake.
How It's Used
"The building's facade was adorned with intricate carvings."
"The preservation of the historic district's facades is important."
An artificial or superficial appearance or illusion, especially one meant to deceive.
fəˈsɑːd
An outward appearance that conceals the true nature of something.
His cheerful demeanor was merely a facade to hide his inner struggles.
💡 Simply: Sometimes people try to hide how they really feel. A facade is like a mask or a fake smile that hides the truth. For example, someone might smile on the outside (the facade) while they feel sad on the inside.
👶 For kids: A pretend face, like when you are smiling even though you are sad.
More Examples
The company's environmental efforts were seen as a green facade by critics.
She put up a facade of indifference, but she was hurt.
How It's Used
"She maintained a facade of calm, even though she was deeply worried."
"The government's promises were merely a facade to gain public support."
Idioms & expressions
put on a facade
To pretend to feel or be a certain way.
"She put on a facade of happiness for her friends, but she was feeling quite down."
From French *façade* (17th c.), from Italian *facciata*, from *faccia* ('face'), from Latin *facies* ('form, face'). Initially referred to the principal face of a building.
Initially used in architectural contexts. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the idea of outward appearance and deception, particularly in social and political settings.
Memory tip
Think of the building's 'face' – the part you see from the outside.