front door
C1Neutral (common in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
The main, usually most important, entrance door to a house, flat, or building.
The primary point of access or entry; can be used metaphorically to refer to the most direct or official route into a system, organisation, or situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically implies a degree of formality, permanence, and prominence compared to other entrances like a back door or side door.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. In UK usage, 'front door' often implies a more substantial, often wooden, door, while US usage can also encompass large glass storm doors as part of the 'front door' complex.
Connotations
Similar connotations of security, welcome, and home identity in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Leave it by/at the front door.She walked out (of) the front door.We entered through the front door.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"show someone the front door" (to ask someone to leave)”
- “"through the front door" (openly and legitimately, not secretly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'We need to approach the client through the front door, not via informal contacts.'
Academic
Rare in technical use. May appear in architectural or sociological studies describing domestic spaces.
Everyday
Very common: 'I'll leave the package by your front door.' 'The key is under the mat by the front door.'
Technical
In security or architecture: 'The front door assembly must meet fire egress regulations.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to front-door the delivery, as the side gate is locked.
- The salesman was front-doored after being too persistent.
American English
- They front-doored the candidate with tough questions immediately.
- The policy was front-doored through the legislature.
adverb
British English
- He entered front-door, as a proper guest should.
- Please go front-door, not through the garden.
American English
- They came in front-door, right on time.
- We do business front-door, with full transparency.
adjective
British English
- She has a lovely front-door wreath.
- The front-door key is on the hook.
American English
- We installed a new front-door camera.
- The front-door mat says 'Welcome'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I closed the front door.
- The cat is waiting at the front door.
- My house has a blue front door.
- Could you please answer the front door? The bell is ringing.
- I left my umbrella just inside the front door.
- They painted their front door a bright red.
- For security reasons, we always double-lock the front door at night.
- The estate agent emphasised the property's impressive oak front door.
- Access to the meeting is through the main front door on the High Street.
- The new regulations require all front doors to be both fire-resistant and accessible.
- He chose to enter the competitive market through the front door, with a fully patented product.
- Her resignation was the first step out the front door of a long corporate career.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a house: the FRONT of the house is where you expect guests, and the DOOR there is the FRONT DOOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FRONT DOOR IS THE PRIMARY/LEGITIMATE POINT OF ENTRY (to a home, organisation, or system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as *'передняя дверь'* which is incorrect. Use *'входная дверь'* or *'парадная дверь'* (more formal).
- The English 'front door' does not specify if it leads to a flat/apartment or a house; context clarifies this.
Common Mistakes
- *'I will wait you at front door.' (Missing article) -> Correct: '...at the front door.'
- Confusing 'front door' with 'doorstep' (the step outside the door) or 'porch' (the covered area).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase uses 'front door' metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always written as two separate words: 'front door'.
Yes, if it is the main door to that individual dwelling unit, it can be called the front door, even if it is inside a larger building.
'Main entrance' is more formal and can describe large public buildings. 'Front door' is more domestic and personal. They are often synonymous for houses.
Yes, but it's very informal and niche. It means to deal with someone or something directly and officially, or to confront someone at their front door.