Face
/feɪs/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe front part of the head, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
/feɪs/
The front part of the head
The baby had a sweet face.
💡 Simply: Your face is what people see when they look at you! It's the front part of your head where your eyes, nose, and mouth are. Think of your friend, who you're happy to see, who has a big smile on their face, right?
👶 For kids: The front of your head where you have your eyes, nose, and mouth.
More Examples
He splashed water on his face to wake up.
She wiped the tears from her face.
How It's Used
"Her face was pale after the long run."
"He had a big smile on his face."
The surface or front of an object, structure, or area.
/feɪs/
The surface of something
The mountain's face was covered in snow.
💡 Simply: The face can also be the surface of something. Like, the face of a clock is where the numbers are, or the face of a mountain where you would climb.
👶 For kids: The front part of something.
More Examples
The face of the coin had a picture of the queen.
The face of the clock showed it was time to go home.
How It's Used
"The face of the building was made of brick."
"The face of the cliff was steep."
To turn towards a specific direction or object.
/feɪs/
To turn or be turned in a particular direction
She faced the door, waiting for her friend.
💡 Simply: When you face something, you turn your body or the front of something towards it. For example, you face the front of the class to listen, or your house might face the beach!
👶 For kids: To turn your body to look at something.
More Examples
The building faced south.
The team faced a difficult challenge.
How It's Used
"The soldiers faced the enemy."
"The house faced the ocean."
To confront or deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation.
/feɪs/
To deal with a difficult situation
They had to face the consequences of their actions.
💡 Simply: When you face something tough, it means you deal with it instead of running away. It's like facing a test or a challenge – you work through it and try your best.
👶 For kids: To deal with something that is hard.
More Examples
She faced her critics with courage.
He was determined to face his fears.
How It's Used
"The company had to face financial challenges."
"It's important to face your fears."
Idioms & expressions
in the face of
Despite; regardless of.
"They continued their project in the face of numerous obstacles."
to face the music
To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.
"After breaking the rules, he knew he would have to face the music."
to save face
To avoid embarrassment or loss of respect.
"He tried to save face after losing the competition."
on the face of it
Apparently; superficially.
"On the face of it, the plan seemed perfect."
From Old French *face* ('face, countenance'), from Vulgar Latin *facia*, from Latin *facies* ('form, appearance, face').
The word 'face' has been used to refer to both the front of the head and the surface of objects since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of the part of your body that expresses your emotions, like a happy or sad face.
Word Origin
"appearance"