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Surfaces Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surfaces

[ˈsɜːfɪsɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in sports

The surfaces in tennis can vary, including hard court, clay court, and grass court.

Synonyms

courts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surfaces

This word is often used to describe a plane or area on top of something smooth, like a table, road, or countertop. It can also refer to a general concept of an outer part exposed to view.

  • The surfaces of the tables were clean and shiny.
  • We need to paint the surfaces of the walls before moving in.
  • The ice surfaces in the rink were well-maintained.
courts

This term is typically used in the context of sports and legal systems. It describes the place where sports games are played, like tennis or basketball courts, or where legal cases are heard.

  • Let's meet at the basketball court at 5 pm for a game.
  • The judge will be in court tomorrow morning.
  • She practices her serves on the tennis court every weekend.

Examples of usage

  • We are used to playing on hard surfaces in our local tennis club.
  • I prefer playing on clay surfaces because it is easier on my joints.
Context #2 | Noun

in design

In interior design, surfaces refer to the textures and finishes of materials used in a space.

Synonyms

finishes, textures.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surfaces

Used to describe the outermost layer or boundary of an object, often in a more general or basic sense.

  • The table's surface was covered with dust.
  • They polished the surface of the car to make it shine.
textures

Used to describe the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface, often focusing on the sensory experience.

  • The fabric has a rough texture.
  • You can feel the texture of the wall.
finishes

Used to describe the final coating or treatment applied to the surface of a material or object to achieve a desired texture or appearance.

  • The wood has a glossy finish.
  • Different finishes can change the look and feel of the furniture.

Examples of usage

  • The designer chose a marble surface for the kitchen countertop.
  • The rough surface of the wall adds a rustic feel to the room.
Context #3 | Verb

in technology

To surfaces a device means to bring it to the forefront or make it easily accessible.

Synonyms

brings to the forefront, makes accessible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surfaces

This word is best used when discussing something that becomes visible or apparent, often something that was previously hidden or not obvious.

  • The issue of climate change surfaces every time there is a natural disaster.
  • Old family secrets can surface during gatherings.
brings to the forefront

This phrase is ideal for emphasizing the importance or priority of an issue, topic, or idea, often making it a central point of discussion.

  • The documentary brings to the forefront the challenges faced by migrant workers.
  • The election campaign brought to the forefront the problem of economic inequality.
makes accessible

Use this phrase when referring to something that becomes easier to reach, understand, or use, often relating to information, services, or technology.

  • The new app makes healthcare services more accessible to rural communities.
  • The online course makes difficult subjects accessible to all students.

Examples of usage

  • The new software update surfaces the most frequently used features for users.
  • The app surfaces relevant information based on the user's preferences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, surface tension refers to the elastic tendency of liquids, which causes them to acquire the least surface area.
  • The study of materials often focuses on surfaces because their properties can affect things like adhesion and friction, influencing performance in various applications.
  • Biology studies surfaces too; for instance, how the surface of a cell can impact its ability to absorb nutrients or interact with other cells.

Art and Design

  • Artists pay close attention to surfaces to create texture in their work; rough surfaces can offer a different feel than smooth ones.
  • In architecture, the surface treatment of buildings can greatly affect their appearance and how they interact with light and the environment.
  • In product design, the choice of surface materials can make items more aesthetically pleasing and functional, such as using matte or glossy finishes.

Technology

  • In computing, graphical user interfaces often depend on surface design to ensure user-friendly interactions with software.
  • Surfaces are crucial in robotics; sensors on the surface of a robot can help it identify materials, orientations, and obstacles in its environment.
  • Advanced technologies like touchscreen devices rely on specific surface properties to detect gestures and provide feedback to users.

Cultural Significance

  • Surfaces in furniture design are often curated to reflect cultural values; for example, smooth wooden surfaces can represent craftsmanship in many cultures.
  • In fashion, surface techniques like embroidery or printing influence trends and signify status within various social contexts.
  • The surfaces of public spaces can reflect social dynamics; urban planning considers smooth pathways for accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

Origin of 'surfaces'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'surface' comes from the Latin 'superficies', which means 'the face of something'.
  • In English, 'surface' began being used in the 14th century, growing from the idea of the top layer of an object.
  • Related words like 'surficial' indicate something that pertains to surfaces, showing the importance of this concept across various fields.

The word 'surfaces' originated from the Latin word 'surface', which means the outer face, external part, or outside of something. The term has been used in various fields such as sports, design, and technology to refer to the outermost layer or top of something. Over time, 'surfaces' has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and applications, reflecting the diverse ways in which surfaces play a crucial role in our daily lives.

See also: resurface, subsurface, surface, undersurface.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,671, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.