reface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Construction, Restoration, Retail)
Quick answer
What does “reface” mean?
To put a new face or surface on something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To put a new face or surface on something.
To repair or renew the exterior or visible part of an object, especially a building, furniture, or a book's cover, to improve its appearance. Can also imply modernizing or updating the presentation of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The term is equally technical in both varieties. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Neutral; implies renovation, restoration, or maintenance. May carry a slight connotation of being more thorough than a simple repaint or repair.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English, but standard and common within the domains of construction, historic preservation, and cabinetry.
Grammar
How to Use “reface” in a Sentence
Subject + reface + Direct Object (e.g., They refaced the old building.)Subject + reface + Direct Object + with + Material (e.g., We refaced the wall with new stone.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reface” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to reface the town hall's ageing stonework.
- It's often cheaper to reface kitchen cabinets than to replace them entirely.
American English
- The homeowners decided to reface their brick facade with stucco.
- The historic society raised funds to reface the monument.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in property management and retail: 'The decision was made to reface the shopping centre to attract more upmarket tenants.'
Academic
Rare in general academia; used in architectural history or conservation studies: 'The 19th-century restoration controversially refaced the medieval cathedral.'
Everyday
Most common in the context of home improvement: 'Instead of buying new kitchen units, we decided to reface them.'
Technical
Core term in construction and historic building conservation, with specific material and method implications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reface”
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The building refaced' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'refurbish', which is more comprehensive (can include interior work, systems). 'Reface' is primarily exterior/surface-level.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Replace' means to remove the old item and install a completely new one. 'Reface' means to keep the main structure or framework but apply a new surface or exterior layer.
Yes. While most common for buildings and kitchen cabinetry, you can also reface a book's cover, a piece of furniture, or a fireplace.
'Renovate' is a broader term meaning to restore to a good state of repair, which can involve structural work, plumbing, electrical, etc. 'Reface' is a specific type of renovation focused only on the visible exterior surface.
It is a standard, somewhat technical word. It is formal in general conversation but is the normal, expected term within industries like construction and home improvement.
To put a new face or surface on something.
Reface: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-FACING a building: giving it a REnewed FACE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING/OBJECT IS A PERSON (that gets a new face). Renovation is giving something a facelift.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'reface' most accurately used?