Frontal
ˈfrʌntəl
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or situated in the front; the foremost part of something, especially the face or forehead.
ˈfrʌntəl
Relating to the front or foremost part of something.
The frontal assault on the castle was met with fierce resistance.
💡 Simply: Imagine looking straight ahead. 'Frontal' is like saying something is in the *front* of things. Like the frontal view of a car, meaning you're looking right at its front.
👶 For kids: Being in the front!
More Examples
The doctor examined the frontal bone.
The painting depicted the frontal view of a cityscape.
How It's Used
"The frontal lobe of the brain controls higher cognitive functions."
"The building's frontal facade was intricately carved."
Something that covers or forms the front of something.
ˈfrʌntəl
A thing situated at the front.
The architect designed the building's impressive frontal.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'frontal' is used to describe the front part itself, like the front of a building.
👶 For kids: The front part of something.
More Examples
A decorative frontal adorned the church.
The frontal of the vehicle was badly damaged in the collision.
How It's Used
"The building's frontal was adorned with sculptures."
Idioms & expressions
frontal lobe
The part of the brain at the front of the head, responsible for higher cognitive functions.
"Damage to the frontal lobe can affect personality and behavior."
frontal attack
A direct and immediate attack.
"The army launched a frontal attack on the enemy's position."
From Late Latin *frontalis*, from Latin *frons* ('forehead, brow'). The word's development traces a direct relationship to the front or foremost part of something, originally concerning the forehead.
Used since the 16th century, initially related to the forehead before its broader application to anything relating to the front.
Memory tip
Think of a front door, the front part of a building. Frontal means related to the front.