face
face
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "face" is /feɪs/.
face: /feɪs/
Word Form Variations
Noun: face (singular), faces (plural)
Verb: face (base form), faces (third person singular present), faced (past tense, past participle), facing (present participle)
Adjective: faced (as in "two-faced"), faceless
Adverb: (No direct adverb form for "face"; related adverbs would be formed from adjectives, e.g., "facially" from "facial")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Face
The front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, including the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Synonyms: countenance, visage, mug (informal), physiognomy
Antonyms: back (of head), rear
The most important or visible surface of an object.
Synonyms: front, surface, exterior, facade, aspect
Antonyms: back, interior, reverse
The public image or outward appearance of something.
Synonyms: appearance, image, facade, veneer, guise
Antonyms: reality, truth, core, essence
Boldness; impudence; effrontery.
Synonyms: audacity, nerve, cheek, impudence, bravado
Antonyms: shyness, humility, timidity, modesty
Verb
Face
To turn or be turned with the front toward a particular direction or person.
Synonyms: confront, oppose, stand before, be oriented toward
Antonyms: avoid, turn away, back
To deal with (a difficult situation, problem, or person).
Synonyms: confront, encounter, cope with, tackle, handle, brave
Antonyms: evade, avoid, escape, shirk, dodge
To cover the surface of (something) with a different material.
Synonyms: clad, veneer, cover, overlay, surface
Antonyms: expose, strip, uncover
Adjective
Faced
Having a particular type of face or number of faces (often used in compound adjectives).
Synonyms: (used primarily in compounds like "round-faced," "two-faced")
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this sense)
Faceless
Lacking a distinct or recognizable identity; anonymous.
Synonyms: anonymous, impersonal, indistinct, unidentifiable
Antonyms: recognizable, distinct, individual, prominent
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction: In psychology, authors discuss how "facial expressions convey a wide range of emotions" (W. W. Norton & Company, March 2024). Architectural books might detail how "the north face of the building was designed to maximize light."
Fiction: Characters often observe or react to another's "face." "Her face betrayed no emotion." A protagonist might have to "face her deepest fears."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on public figures losing "face" (reputation) or countries having to "face economic challenges." A headline might read, "City to face severe budget cuts" (The Sacramento Bee, June 2025). Weather reports might mention "north-face winds."
Editorials: Columnists may argue that "society must face the realities of climate change."
Advertisements: Ads for skincare products often promise to "improve the complexion of your face."
Online Publications
Social Media: Users post photos of their "face" or use filters to alter their "face." Discussions often involve people having to "face online criticism."
Tech Blogs: Reviews of phones might discuss "the all-screen face of the new model."
Tutorials/DIY Sites: Instructions for home improvement might guide users on how to "prepare the face of the cabinet for painting."
Beauty Blogs: These blogs often provide tips on "how to contour your face" or "the best products for a clear face."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters frequently use their "face" to convey emotion, or they might "face a difficult enemy." A character might say, "Look me in the face and tell me that's true."
Video Games: Players often customize their character's "face." Game narratives frequently involve characters having to "face impossible odds" or "face down a formidable boss."
Music: Song lyrics often reference the "face" as a symbol of emotion or identity. "I see your face in every crowd."
Podcasts: Hosts might discuss historical figures who had to "face significant opposition."
Art (e.g., Photography, Painting): Artists often focus on the human "face" to capture emotion and personality.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily interactions, people ask, "What's wrong with your face?" or say, "You'll have to face the consequences." "I can't believe I have to face this again."
Meetings/Workplace: A team might have to "face a tight deadline." Someone might say, "We need to put a brave face on things."
Sports: Athletes might "face off against" rivals in a competition. "They'll face each other in the finals."
Idiomatic Usage: Phrases like "lose face" (lose reputation) or "face the music" (accept the consequences) are common.
10 Quotes Using Face
"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain." (Frank Herbert)
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you." (Walt Whitman)
"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart." (St. Jerome)
"If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever." (George Orwell)
"Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face." (George Eliot)
"Beauty is truth's smile when she beholds her own face in a perfect mirror." (Rabindranath Tagore)
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception." (Groucho Marx)
"Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky." (Sonia Gandhi)
"False face must hide what false heart doth know." (William Shakespeare)
Etymology
The word "face" comes from the Latin word "faciēs," which originally meant "form," "shape," or "appearance." Over time, it specifically came to refer to the visible front part of the head.
The first known use of "face" in English, with the meaning of "the front part of the head," dates back to the late 13th century. It appeared in texts referring to a person's countenance or expression. Its meaning later expanded to include the surface of objects and the act of confronting something directly.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Face
Facial expression: The look on someone's face that conveys emotion. "His facial expression revealed his surprise."
Freedom of face: A less common or original phrase meaning the freedom to present oneself as one chooses, perhaps without societal judgment on appearance.
Face value: The apparent or superficial worth or meaning of something. "Don't take everything at face value."
Lose face: To be humiliated or to lose reputation. "He lost face when his plan failed publicly."
Save face: To avoid humiliation or to preserve one's reputation. "He tried to save face after the mistake."
Face the music: To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions. "After breaking the rules, she had to face the music."
Face to face: In direct personal contact. "They had a difficult conversation face to face."
Put on a brave face: To appear brave and confident even when one feels afraid or worried. "Despite the bad news, she put on a brave face."
Set one's face against: To strongly oppose something. "The committee set its face against the new proposal."
Come face to face with: To directly encounter something, often unexpected or challenging. "He came face to face with his past."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of face from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
