Facing: meaning, definitions and examples

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facing

[ˈfeɪsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a situation

the direction that someone or something is looking towards. It can also refer to a situation where someone has to confront or deal with a difficult or challenging issue.

Synonyms

confrontation, confronted with, confronting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
facing	Similar to the first entry for 'facing', used to describe dealing with a problem or difficult situation head-on. We are facing a serious financial crisis. He is facing criticism from his peers.
confronting	Describes the action of addressing a problem or person directly and boldly. Often involves a challenging or critical discussion. She is confronting her fears head-on. They are confronting the authorities about the unfair practices.
confronted with	Used when someone is presented with a situation, usually unpleasant or difficult, that requires a response. He was confronted with evidence of his wrongdoing. They were confronted with the need to make budget cuts.
confrontation	Refers to a hostile or argumentative situation between people. It often involves direct conflict or opposition. The confrontation between the two rivals was intense and heated. There was a confrontation between the protesters and the police.

Examples of usage

She had a serious expression on her face, her eyes facing the ground.
The company is facing financial difficulties due to the current economic situation.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

opposite direction

turned or positioned in a particular direction, usually opposite to the usual orientation.

Synonyms

contrary, opposite, reverse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
facing	Used when one object is directly across from another or when dealing with a challenge directly. The two buildings are facing each other across the street She is facing a difficult decision
opposite	Used to describe something that is completely different or across from something else, often physically. He sat down opposite her at the table They have opposite personalities
contrary	Used to highlight opposition or difference in opinion or nature, often in a intellectual or abstract sense. His views are contrary to mine Contrary to popular belief, not all turtles are slow
reverse	Used to indicate something going backward, in the opposite direction, or the opposite of a usual state. She put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway The trend shows a reverse in the usual decline

Examples of usage

He stood facing the wall, refusing to look at anyone.
The two teams were facing each other, ready for the match.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

deal with

to deal with or confront a difficult situation or problem.

Synonyms

confront, deal with, tackle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
facing	Used to describe encountering or meeting a situation or problem that needs attention. She is facing a lot of pressure at work. We are facing an unprecedented challenge with climate change.
confront	Implies dealing with a problem or situation in a direct and assertive way, often involving conflict. He decided to confront his boss about the unfair treatment. They had to confront their fears before moving forward.
deal with	A broad term used for handling, managing, or coping with a situation or problem in a practical manner. She needs to deal with the customer complaints immediately. How are we going to deal with this financial crisis?
tackle	Used when addressing a problem or task in a determined or dynamic manner, often implying action and effort. We need to tackle the project's shortcomings head-on. He tackled the repairs with enthusiasm and skill.

Examples of usage

She is facing a major decision about her future.
The government is facing criticism for its handling of the crisis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'facere', meaning 'to do or make', illustrating an action of confronting something.
In Middle English, it evolved to 'facinge', reflecting how people approached others or situations.
The term is often used in geometry to describe the direction in which a surface or an object points, adding a spatial aspect.

Psychology

People often exhibit body language changes when they are 'facing' someone, such as squared shoulders or open posture, indicating openness.
Cognitive psychology supports the idea that encountering challenges can lead to 'face' confrontations, which are essential for personal growth.
In conflict resolution, the act of 'facing' problems directly is shown to lead to more effective solutions.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, 'facing' someone directly is a sign of respect and attentiveness, enhancing communication.
Different cultures interpret 'facing' in diverse ways; for example, in some Asian cultures, avoiding a direct face-to-face interaction is seen as polite.
Art and theatre often depict characters in conflict through physical facing, expressing emotional states through positioning.

Architecture

In building design, 'facing' refers to the material used to create the outer surface of a structure, impacting aesthetics and durability.
Materials are chosen based on how they will 'face' the environment, considering weathering and visual appeal.
Urban planning considers how buildings face one another to promote interaction and community dynamics.

Sports

In competitive sports, athletes often have to face their opponents directly, showcasing strategies and psychological warfare.
Team strategy often involves players creating formations that optimize who they are 'facing' during a match.
In combat sports like boxing or martial arts, the concept of ‘facing’ an opponent directly correlates with techniques for gaining advantage.

Translations

Translations of the word "facing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enfrentando

🇮🇳 सामना करना

🇩🇪 gegenüberstehen

🇮🇩 menghadapi

🇺🇦 стикатися

🇵🇱 stawiający czoła

🇯🇵 直面

🇫🇷 faire face à

🇪🇸 enfrentando

🇹🇷 karşı karşıya

🇰🇷 직면

🇸🇦 مواجهة

🇨🇿 čelit

🇸🇰 čeliť

🇨🇳 面对

🇸🇮 soočenje

🇮🇸 standa frammi fyrir

🇰🇿 қарсы тұру

🇬🇪 დაპირისპირება

🇦🇿 qarşı-qarşıya

🇲🇽 enfrentando

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,249, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3246 slope
3247 strategic
3248 duly
3249 facing
3250 graduate
3251 canal
3252 forgotten
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