Face Meaning

UK /feɪs/
US /feɪs/
Word Definition
face meaning

Face Definition & Usage

noun

The front part of a person's head, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Examples

  • "She has a beautiful face with bright blue eyes."
  • "His face was covered in a thick layer of dirt after the hike."
  • "The baby smiled, showing her tiny face full of joy."
  • "Her face flushed with embarrassment when she realized the mistake."
  • "He turned pale, his face showing the shock of the bad news."
noun

The expression on a person's face, often indicating emotion or reaction.

Examples

  • "His face showed no emotion after hearing the bad news."
  • "She tried to hide her disappointment, but her face betrayed her."
  • "A smile spread across her face when she saw the gift."
  • "The face of the crowd turned somber as the ceremony began."
  • "You could see the anger on his face when the plan failed."
verb

To confront or deal directly with a difficult situation or person.

Examples

  • "We must face the reality that the project is behind schedule."
  • "He faced the challenge of starting over in a new city."
  • "You need to face the truth about the mistakes you've made."
  • "She was afraid to face her fears, but eventually did."
  • "The team will face a tough opponent in the finals."
noun

The outward appearance or surface of an object or place.

Examples

  • "The face of the clock showed the time clearly."
  • "The building's face was covered in ivy, making it look ancient."
  • "The mountain's face was scarred from years of erosion."
  • "The watch has a sleek face with minimalist design."
  • "The old photograph was the only face of the family they had left."

Cultural Context

The concept of a 'face' has deep cultural significance across various societies. It often represents identity, personality, and social roles. The phrase 'saving face,' for instance, plays a crucial role in East Asian cultures, where maintaining dignity in social situations is valued. Additionally, the face is symbolic of expressions of emotion, communication, and trust.

A Face in the Crowd

Story

A Face in the Crowd

Sarah stood in front of the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Her face, youthful and full of promise, was framed by the messy curls that framed her cheeks. It was a face that had seen years of happiness and sorrow, a face that had faced the harshness of life with resilience. Yet today, something was different. It had been a tough week. Sarah had faced a series of challenges that left her drained. A confrontation with her boss had shaken her confidence, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that seemed to settle in her chest. As she walked into the office, she knew she would have to face him again, but she wasn’t ready. Her colleague, Emily, greeted her with a warm smile. 'You okay?' she asked, her eyes scanning Sarah's face. Sarah nodded, though she knew Emily could see through her facade. 'Just tired, I guess.' The day passed slowly, with Sarah fighting to keep her emotions in check. Every time she glanced at her reflection in the window, her face seemed to betray her, showing the stress and worry that she couldn’t hide. But there was no turning back. She had to face her fears. When the meeting with her boss finally arrived, Sarah’s heart raced. His face was unreadable, a mask of professionalism. 'We need to talk about your project,' he said. His words were sharp, but Sarah didn’t flinch. She squared her shoulders and looked him directly in the eye. It was time to face the music. She had been dreading this moment, but now that it was here, she realized she had the strength to stand her ground. By the end of the meeting, Sarah left the room with a sense of relief. She had faced the issue head-on and emerged with her dignity intact. As she walked through the office, she smiled, her face now lighter than it had been all day. Later that evening, Sarah sat with her friends at a café. She laughed freely, no longer hiding behind the mask she had worn all week. The weight on her face had lifted, and she realized that sometimes, facing the truth—whether it’s in the form of a difficult conversation or the emotions we carry—is the only way to move forward.

A Face in the Crowd