Interface
/ˈɪntəfeɪs/
Definitions
2 meaningsA point of interaction or connection between two systems, devices, organizations, or individuals.
/ˈɪntəfeɪs/
A point where two systems, subjects, organizations, etc. meet and interact.
The graphical user interface allows users to interact with the computer easily.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a meeting point. If you're using a phone, the screen is the interface between you and the phone's apps. It's where you interact and make things happen!
👶 For kids: It's like a doorway! It's how two things talk to each other, like your hand talking to a toy.
More Examples
The company is working to improve the interface between its customer service and its online store.
There's an interface between the hardware and the software to make the computer work.
How It's Used
"The user interface of the software is intuitive."
"The interface between the sales and marketing teams needs improvement."
"Design a user-friendly interface for the new mobile app."
To connect with or interact through an interface.
/ˌɪntəˈfeɪs/
Interact with (a computer or other device) or provide an interface for.
The application interfaces with the operating system to access hardware resources.
💡 Simply: It's like 'talking' to a device. When you use your phone to control a smart home device, you are interfacing them together.
👶 For kids: It's when you use a special way to talk to a computer or a machine, like pressing buttons on your toy robot.
More Examples
We need to interface these two systems to streamline the workflow.
The new device can interface directly with your smartphone.
How It's Used
"The new software interfaces seamlessly with existing systems."
"The program interfaces with the database to retrieve information."
Synonyms
Boundary
Connection
Interaction
Communicate
Connect
Integrate
Interact
Idioms & expressions
User interface
The point of interaction between a user and a device or program.
"The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate."
Human-computer interface
The design and study of how people interact with computers.
"Human-computer interface is a growing field of study."
From French *interface* (17th c.), from *inter-* ('between') + *face* ('face, surface'). Initially used in technical contexts to describe a shared boundary.
The term 'interface' gained prominence in the mid-20th century with the advent of computers and the need to define the points of interaction between different hardware and software components.
Memory tip
Imagine two doors facing each other; the doorway is the interface.