Facilities
/fəˈsɪlətiz/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose.
/fəˈsɪlətiz/
Resources or spaces available for a specific purpose.
The hotel had excellent leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and a gym.
💡 Simply: Imagine a school having a gym, a library, and a computer lab. Those are the school's facilities – all the things that make learning and playing easier.
👶 For kids: Things like buildings, rooms, or equipment that help you do something, like a playground is a facility for playing.
More Examples
The research team needed modern laboratory facilities to conduct their experiments.
The city is expanding its public transport facilities to reduce traffic congestion.
How It's Used
"The company invested in new production facilities."
"The hospital offers comprehensive medical facilities."
"The university boasts state-of-the-art research facilities."
An aptitude or talent for doing something easily.
/fəˈsɪlətiz/
Ease; a natural aptitude.
The athlete displayed remarkable facility in swimming, effortlessly gliding through the water.
💡 Simply: Some people have a facility for playing music. It comes easily to them, like they are naturally good at it.
👶 For kids: When you're really good at something and it's easy for you, like you have a facility for drawing.
More Examples
His facility for negotiation made him an invaluable asset to the team.
She has a natural facility with numbers, quickly solving complex equations.
How It's Used
"He showed a natural facility for languages."
"She possessed a rare facility with words, crafting beautiful prose effortlessly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From French "facilité" (ease, facility), from Latin "facilis" (easy), related to "facere" (to do, to make). The plural form "facilities" developed to encompass the means or resources that make something easier.
The word 'facilities' has been used since the late 17th century to refer to things that make a process easier or provide convenience. Its use in the context of buildings and equipment became more common in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of the *building and equipment* that make something easier.
Word Origin
"easy"