Facing

'feɪsɪŋ

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To be positioned with the front or face toward.

'feɪsɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To be positioned so as to look towards something.

The building is facing south.

💡 Simply: Picture yourself looking directly at something, like when you're at a store and see all the cool toys facing you on the shelves. It means you're positioned so you can see it!

👶 For kids: Like when you turn your head to look at something, like your mom!

More Examples

2

She was facing a difficult decision.

3

The protesters were facing the government building.

How It's Used

General

"The house is facing the ocean."

Military

"The soldiers were facing their commander."

2

To confront and deal with a challenge or problem.

'feɪsɪŋ

verbneutralmedium
Science

To deal with or confront a difficult situation.

He is facing the consequences of his actions.

💡 Simply: When you're facing a problem, it means you're dealing with it directly, like facing a math test you have to study for. It means you're ready to work on a challenge!

👶 For kids: When you have to do something even if it's hard, like when you have to face getting a shot at the doctor's office.

More Examples

2

The team is facing a tough opponent.

3

We need to face the facts about climate change.

How It's Used

Business

"The company is facing financial difficulties."

General

"She had to face her fears."

Tip:Imagine bravely facing a challenge head-on, like facing a fear.
3

The outer surface or material of a building or structure.

'feɪsɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
General

The outer surface of a building or structure.

The old church had beautiful stone facing.

💡 Simply: The outside layer of a building or structure, like the brick walls or fancy stone on a fancy building.

👶 For kids: The outside part of a building, like the skin!

More Examples

2

The architect designed a modern facing for the office building.

3

The facing on the statue showed signs of erosion.

How It's Used

Construction

"The building's facing was made of granite."

Architecture

"The facing of the monument was damaged during the storm."

Tip:Think of what you see when you look at a building – its 'face'.

Idioms & expressions

face the music

To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

"After failing the test, he had to face the music and tell his parents."

lose face

To experience shame or embarrassment; to suffer a loss of reputation or prestige.

"He didn't want to lose face in front of his colleagues, so he agreed with the plan."

From Middle English facen, from Old French facier ('to face, shape, mold'), from face ('face').

Historically used to denote the physical positioning of something or someone.

Memory tip

Imagine your face pointing in a specific direction.

fasingfaising

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written