Face Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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face

[feษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

expression

The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal.

Synonyms

countenance, facial expression, visage.

Examples of usage

  • She has a beautiful face.
  • He has a friendly face.
  • The cat's face was covered in fur.
Context #2 | Noun

social media

A public profile or account on a social media platform.

Synonyms

account, profile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
face

When referring to confronting a difficult situation or person, often used in phrases like 'face the music' or 'face up to'.

  • You need to face the problem directly
  • | He finally faced up to his responsibilities
profile

When describing a summary of someoneโ€™s personal information, skills, or features, especially on social networks or professional platforms.

  • Her LinkedIn profile is very impressive
  • | You should update your profile with your latest projects
account

When talking about a user profile or a personalized digital identity on platforms such as social media, banking, or subscription services.

  • I forgot the password to my email account
  • | She created a new account on the platform

Examples of usage

  • She manages her company's Facebook face.
  • I follow her on Instagram face.
Context #3 | Verb

confrontation

Confront and deal with or accept.

Synonyms

accept, confront, deal with.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
face

Used when encountering something, often a challenge or duty, directly and often with courage.

  • She had to face her fears before she could move forward
  • They faced many obstacles in their journey
confront

Used when directly addressing or opposing something or someone, often implying a challenge or conflict.

  • He decided to confront his boss about the unfair treatment
  • The team had to confront their weaknesses before the big game
deal with

Used when managing or handling a situation, problem, or task, often implying some effort or struggle.

  • She had to deal with a lot of stress at work
  • They know how to deal with difficult customers
accept

Used when agreeing to receive or willingly take something, including ideas or situations, without resistance.

  • He decided to accept the job offer
  • She had to accept the fact that she was wrong

Examples of usage

  • We need to face the truth.
  • He finally faced his fears.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Facial expressions are crucial for non-verbal communication, helping convey emotions more effectively than words.
  • Studies show people can read basic emotions like happiness and sadness in just a few milliseconds of seeing a face.
  • Mirroring someone's facial expressions can enhance social bonding and create empathy in relationships.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the face is a strong symbol of identity; itโ€™s often seen in portraits and cultural artifacts.
  • The phrase 'losing face' refers to a sense of shame in social situations, highlighting the importance of reputation.
  • Masks, used in various cultural rituals, often represent the face, serving as a canvas for identity and expression.

Art

  • Throughout art history, the human face has been a primary subject, influencing styles from classical portraiture to modern abstraction.
  • Famous pieces, like the Mona Lisa, focus on facial expression, inviting viewers to interpret emotions and thoughts.
  • Contemporary artists use the face in mixed media, challenging traditional ideas about identity and representation.

Technology

  • Facial recognition technology is becoming more common, helping in security systems and personalized experiences.
  • Some apps allow users to alter their facial features in photos, reflecting society's fascination with image and identity.
  • Facial features are often used in artificial intelligence to enhance interactions, mimicking human expressions for better communication.

Origin of 'face'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'face' comes from the Latin word 'facies', meaning 'appearance or figure'.
  • In Old French, 'face' was used to mean 'surface', reflecting both appearance and expression.
  • The concept of 'face' connects to various languages, showing its cultural significance in describing identity.

The word 'face' originated from the Middle English word 'flesen,' which means to imprint, stamp, or mark the face. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the front part of a person's head. Faces play a crucial role in communication and expression, serving as a window to one's emotions and thoughts. In social media, the term 'face' is often used to describe a person's public profile or online presence. The verb form of 'face' signifies confronting challenges, fears, or truths in life.


See also: deface, efface, facet, facing, interface, preface.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #325, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.