Front: meaning, definitions and examples

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front

 

[ frʌnt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

of a building

The side or part of an object that presents itself to view or that is normally seen or used first; the most forward part of something.

Synonyms

facade, fore, forepart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
front

Use 'front' again, as it has a similar meaning and context as the first entry; it is commonly used and versatile in describing forward-facing parts.

  • She stood in front of the audience
  • The front of the store has large windows
forepart

Use 'forepart' to specifically describe the front section or portion of something, often used in more technical or detailed descriptions.

  • The forepart of the boat was damaged in the storm
  • He inspected the forepart of the machine thoroughly
facade

Use 'facade' when referring to the exterior face or the outer appearance of a building, especially when considering its architectural design or in the context of a deceptive outward appearance.

  • The building's facade is made of glass
  • Despite her calm facade, she was very nervous inside
fore

Use 'fore' in a nautical or aviation context to indicate something towards the front part of a ship or airplane.

  • All crew members were instructed to move to the fore of the ship
  • The luggage was stored in the fore compartment of the plane

Examples of usage

  • The front of the house was painted blue.
  • He stood at the front of the line.
Context #2 | Noun

military

The foremost part or surface of something; the military line or position nearest the enemy.

Synonyms

forefront, frontline, vanguard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
front

Used for physical or metaphorical location at the very beginning or forward-most part.

  • He stood at the front of the line
  • The front of the building faces the park
forefront

Used to describe the leading or most important position in a field, activity, or movement.

  • She is at the forefront of cancer research
  • Environmental issues are at the forefront of their campaign
vanguard

Refers to the leading part of an advancing military force or people leading new developments or ideas.

  • The startup is in the vanguard of technological innovation
  • The vanguard led the charge into enemy territory
frontline

Often used in the context of combat or critical positions in any kind of struggle or effort, can also refer to essential workers. Has a connotation of bravery and hardship.

  • The soldiers were stationed on the frontline
  • Frontline healthcare workers have been crucial during the pandemic

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers advanced to the front.
  • The general led from the front.
Context #3 | Verb

be in front

To be in front; to lead or be ahead of someone or something.

Synonyms

lead, outstrip, precede.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
front

Front can be used to describe the most forward part of something or a position at the forefront. It is also used in military contexts or when talking about leadership or appearance.

  • She stood at the front of the line.
  • The front of the building is beautifully decorated.
  • He was on the front lines during the battle.
lead

Lead is often used to describe being in a position of command or direction, whether in a physical sense or metaphorically in situations of influence or initiative.

  • She will lead the team on the new project.
  • The marathon runner took the lead in the final mile.
  • His innovative ideas often lead to success.
precede

Precede is used when something comes before something else in time, order, or position. It's often found in formal or chronological contexts.

  • A welcoming speech will precede the award ceremony.
  • His reputation preceded him in the job application process.
outstrip

Outstrip is typically used in a competitive context to indicate surpassing or outperforming someone or something, usually in speed or quality.

  • The newer model outstrips the older one in efficiency.
  • He managed to outstrip all his competitors in the sales department.

Examples of usage

  • She always likes to front in the race.
  • The team fronted throughout the game.

Translations

Translations of the word "front" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frente

🇮🇳 सामने

🇩🇪 Vorderseite

🇮🇩 depan

🇺🇦 перед

🇵🇱 przód

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 devant

🇪🇸 frente

🇹🇷 ön

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 أمام

🇨🇿 přední

🇸🇰 predná strana

🇨🇳 前面

🇸🇮 spredaj

🇮🇸 framhlið

🇰🇿 алдыңғы

🇬🇪 წინა

🇦🇿 ön

🇲🇽 frente

Etymology

The word 'front' originated from the Old French word 'front', meaning 'forehead, front', which came from the Latin word 'frontem', meaning 'forehead, front, facade, forepart'. The use of 'front' to refer to the foremost part of something dates back to the 14th century. In military terms, 'front' has been used to describe the military line nearest the enemy since the 17th century.

See also: forefront, frontage, frontier, frontline, frontmost.

Word Frequency Rank

At #628 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.