face
A1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal.
A surface, especially the front or outer surface of something; to confront or deal with a difficult situation or person; to be positioned towards or have the front oriented in a specific direction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun can refer to both the literal physical visage and to metaphorical 'surfaces' or 'sides.' The verb meanings are strongly linked to the core concept of orientation and confrontation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'face up to' is a common phrasal verb for accepting and dealing with something unpleasant. American English uses 'face' more commonly as a standalone verb in this sense. The noun usage is identical.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. 'Face' as a verb meaning 'to confront' is slightly more direct in American usage.
Frequency
The word is extremely high-frequency in both varieties with negligible difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] something (He faced a dilemma).[V -ing] (She faces going bankrupt).[VN] somebody with something (They faced him with the evidence).[be V-ed by] (The company is faced by new competition).[V adv/prep] (The building faces east).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lose face”
- “save face”
- “face the music”
- “in your face”
- “fly in the face of”
- “on the face of it”
- “to someone's face”
- “a slap in the face”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To 'face' market pressures, competition, or financial difficulties. 'Face value' is a key financial term.
Academic
Used to discuss theoretical challenges, 'confronting' issues in research, or the 'surface' of a geometric shape.
Everyday
Referring to a person's appearance, direction, or dealing with everyday problems.
Technical
In geometry, a plane surface of a solid object. In typography, the style of a typeface. In climbing, a vertical rock surface.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must face up to your responsibilities.
- The cottage faces onto a lovely village green.
American English
- You have to face your responsibilities.
- The apartment faces a busy street.
adverb
British English
- They sat face to face across the table.
American English
- They met face to face for the first time.
adjective
British English
- She applied a face cream before bed.
- The face towel is the smaller one.
American English
- He used a face wash in the shower.
- The face card in the deck is the Jack.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a nice face.
- Please face the front of the class.
- He washed his face.
- I couldn't see his face in the dark.
- We need to face the truth about what happened.
- The window faces the garden.
- The government is facing severe criticism from the press.
- On the face of it, the deal seems fair.
- He tried to save face by pretending he meant to lose.
- The new evidence presents an entirely different face of the accused.
- The company is now faced with the stark choice of restructuring or insolvency.
- Her defiant stare was a direct challenge, an in-your-face rejection of their authority.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FACE: Front And Centre Everything. Your face is the front and centre of your identity.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE OPPONENTS FACING YOU ('face your fears'). DIRECTIONS ARE ORIENTATIONS OF THE FACE ('face the sun'). STATUS/SELF-RESPECT IS A PHYSICAL FACE ('lose face').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'on the face' for на лице (use 'on one's face').
- Avoid translating физиономия as 'physiognomy' in everyday speech; use 'face'.
- Remember 'face' as a verb ('face problems') is столкнуться с, not just быть лицом к.
- The idiom 'in your face' is aggressive/confrontational, not просто "перед тобой".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'face to a problem' (correct: 'face a problem' or 'face up to a problem').
- Confusing 'make a face' (grimace) with 'have a face' (possess a face).
- Using 'face' uncountably (e.g., 'She has beautiful face') - requires an article ('a beautiful face').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of social status, what does it mean to 'lose face'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the physical visage. You have 'a face', 'two faces'. It is uncountable only in some compound terms like 'face paint' or idioms like 'lose face'.
'Face' is broader and can be neutral (facing a direction) or negative. 'Confront' is more specific and always implies a hostile or challenging encounter. You 'face' a difficult exam, but you 'confront' an accuser.
Yes, very commonly. It refers to the front, top, or prominent surface of something (e.g., 'the face of a clock', 'the north face of the mountain', 'the face of a building').
Literally, it is the value printed on a coin, banknote, or ticket. Figuratively, it means accepting something as it appears, without questioning its deeper truth ('I took his promise at face value').
Collections
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Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.