Facet: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'facet' when referring to one side or aspect of something, especially in discussions involving complex issues, objects, or personalities.

• We must consider every facet of the problem before making a decision.
• Her personality has many facets, making her an interesting person to know.

Use 'countenance' when referring to the appearance or expression of someone's face, often indicating the person's emotions or feelings. It can also have a more formal or literary tone.

• His stern countenance gave away his disapproval.
• She maintained a calm countenance despite the chaos around her.

Use 'visage' when referring to someone's face or facial expression in a poetic or literary context. It often conveys a sense of formality or antiquity.

• The knight's noble visage was known throughout the land.
• Her visage was serene and wise beyond her years.

Used when referring to one distinct aspect or part of something, especially when considering something complex like a problem or personality.

• She explored every facet of the issue before making a decision.
• His personality has many facets, making him an interesting person.

Best used when talking about the outermost layer of something, especially when referring to physical objects or the top layer of a liquid.

• The surface of the table was smooth and shiny.
• The fish swam close to the surface of the water.

Appropriate for describing one of the flat surfaces or areas of a shape or object, or one perspective or position in an argument or situation.

• He stood by her side during the difficult times.
• Every story has two sides.

Commonly used to describe an individual flat surface on a gemstone or a cut crystal.

• The diamond's facets sparkled brilliantly under the light

Refers to a part of something that is divided from the whole especially in the context of an object or a lesson plan.

• The market research divided the population into several segments based on age and income

Describes the act of dividing something into parts, often used in the context of dividing spaces, rooms, or data storage.

• They put up a partition to create a separate office space in the open-plan area