Front
/frʌnt/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe side or part of something that faces forward; the most forward part or surface of an object.
/frʌnt/
The forward-facing part or surface of something.
The front of the car was badly damaged in the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking towards your house. The 'front' is the part you see first, like the door, windows, and porch! It’s the face of something.
👶 For kids: The front is the part of something that's in the very front, like the front of your shirt!
More Examples
The front of the book has the title and author's name.
She hung a wreath on the front door.
How It's Used
"The front of the building faces the main street."
"The soldiers were stationed at the front."
The most forward position in a battle or other conflict; the area of active fighting or opposition.
/frʌnt/
A position at the forward edge of a battle or conflict.
The battle raged on the front for days.
💡 Simply: Think of a war or a debate. The 'front' is where all the action is happening, where people are fighting or arguing.
👶 For kids: The front can also be the place where there is a war or a fight!
More Examples
She was always on the front of the protests.
The company is at the front of innovation in the industry.
How It's Used
"The troops were sent to the front lines."
"She is on the front lines of the environmental movement."
A person or organization used to conceal an illegal or undesirable activity.
/frʌnt/
A person or group used to conceal an illegal or dishonest activity.
The restaurant was a front for a drug operation.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, someone sets up a business or group to hide what they're really doing. That's called a 'front'. It is like a disguise.
👶 For kids: A front can also be something that is fake, like a fake company that is used for bad things.
More Examples
The charity served as a front for the politician's campaign.
The shell company was set up as a front.
How It's Used
"The company was a front for money laundering."
"He used the charity as a front for his political ambitions."
To have a front (in the sense of facing) a specified direction or place.
/frʌnt/
To face or be positioned toward something.
The house fronts the ocean.
💡 Simply: Imagine a building. If it 'fronts' the park, it means the front of the building is looking at the park.
👶 For kids: When something fronts something, it means it is facing something.
More Examples
The statue fronts the city hall.
The balcony fronts a beautiful garden.
How It's Used
"The house fronts the park."
"The mountain fronts the valley."
To present, promote, or highlight something, often to emphasize its importance.
/frʌnt/
To present or promote something (e.g., a product, a cause).
The organization is fronting the campaign for clean energy.
💡 Simply: When you 'front' something, you make it the main focus. Like, if a store 'fronts' a new toy in the window, they want people to notice it first!
👶 For kids: When someone fronts something, they are showing it to the world.
More Examples
The artist is fronting the new album.
The marketing team is fronting their best ideas.
How It's Used
"The company is fronting the new technology at the conference."
"They're fronting the eco-friendly initiatives to attract customers."
Idioms & expressions
in front of
Positioned before something or someone.
"The cat sat in front of the fireplace."
front and center
In a prominent or important position; a position of high visibility.
"The company's new environmental policy will be front and center in their marketing campaign."
From Old French *front* (face, forehead), from Latin *frons* (forehead, brow, front). Related to words for 'brow' or 'forehead' in other Indo-European languages.
Used extensively since the Middle Ages. Earlier usage often related to warfare and positional descriptions.
Memory tip
Think of the 'front door' – the side of the house you see when you approach.
Word Origin
"forehead, brow, front"