# face

/ˈfeɪs/ (US) · /fˈeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/face
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. part of the head

noun · CEFR A1

the front part of the head that has the eyes, nose, and mouth.

For teachers: the anterior portion of the head in humans and animals, containing the sensory organs and features.

- She washed her face with cold water to wake herself up.
- The portrait painter focused on the subtle lines around the subject's eyes to capture the character of his face.

### 2. expression

noun · CEFR A2 · Informal

the look on your face that shows how you feel.

For teachers: a facial expression indicating a specific emotion or state of mind.

- He made a funny face to make the baby laugh.
- She pulled a long face when she heard the news, clearly disappointed by the sudden change in plans.

### 3. reputation

noun · CEFR B2

the respect that other people have for you.

For teachers: social standing, prestige, or dignity, especially in the context of avoiding embarrassment.

- He admitted his mistake quickly to avoid losing face in front of his team.
- In many cultures, the desire to save face can influence how business negotiations are conducted and how conflicts are resolved.

### 4. surface of an object

noun · CEFR B1

the front or main surface of something, like a clock or a building.

For teachers: the principal or functional surface of an object, such as a timepiece or a geometric solid.

- The face of the old clock was covered in dust.
- The climbers spent three days ascending the sheer granite face of the mountain before reaching the summit.

### 5. to look toward

verb · CEFR A2

to be positioned with the front toward a certain direction.

For teachers: to be oriented or positioned such that the front is directed toward a specific location.

- Our hotel room faces the ocean, so we can see the sunrise.
- The architect designed the villa so that all the main living areas face south to maximise natural light during the winter months.

### 6. to deal with

verb · CEFR B1

to accept or deal with a difficult situation.

For teachers: to confront or acknowledge a difficult reality or problem that requires attention.

- You need to face your fears if you want to succeed.
- The company must face the fact that its current business model is no longer sustainable in a digital market.

### 7. to have as an opponent

verb · CEFR B1

to compete against someone in a game or fight.

For teachers: to encounter someone as an opponent in a sporting contest or legal battle.

- The team will face their rivals in the final match on Saturday.
- The defending champion is expected to face his toughest challenger yet in the upcoming tournament's opening round.

## Examples

- She washed her face with soap and water.
- The artist studied the subject's face carefully to capture every detail in the portrait.
- In sculpture, the face is often the focal point that captures the viewer's gaze, requiring precise attention to expression and proportion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.