Word
interface
Phoneticsin·ter·face, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪnɝˌfeɪs/
UK/ˈɪntəfˌeɪs/
Definitions
01user and machine
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing
n. the way a person uses a computer or machine, such as the buttons or the screen you see.
n. the means by which a user interacts with a computer system or software, typically involving a graphical or physical layout.
“The new app has a very simple interface that is easy for beginners to use.”
“The design team focused on creating an intuitive user interface to reduce the learning curve for the new enterprise software.”
02software connection
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. the point where two different computer systems or programs connect and share information.
n. a shared boundary across which two separate software components or hardware systems exchange information.
“The software needs a special interface to talk to the printer.”
“The API provides a standardised interface that allows third-party developers to integrate their tools with our core database.”
Synonyms
03physical boundary
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. the surface or area where two different substances meet, like oil and water.
n. a surface forming a common boundary between two different substances or phases of matter.
“Scientists studied how the chemicals reacted at the interface between the liquid and the gas.”
“Surface tension is a result of the unique molecular forces acting at the interface of the two fluids.”
04to connect or communicate
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to connect two things together, or for two groups of people to work together and share information.
v. to interact or communicate with another person, group, or system; often used in business to describe inter-departmental cooperation.
“Our sales team needs to interface with the marketing department more often.”
“The project manager's primary role is to interface with the client to ensure all technical requirements are being met.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'with'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “interface” in context.
Verb
01. design the interface
“Our team spent months trying to design the interface to be as minimalist as possible.”
verb + noun
02. simplify the interface
“We need to simplify the interface to ensure that non-technical users can navigate the system.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. graphical interface
“Early computers relied on text commands before the graphical interface became standard.”
adj + noun
04. seamless interface
“The new update provides a seamless interface between the mobile app and the desktop version.”
adj + noun
05. user-friendly interface
“The software's success is largely due to its intuitive and user-friendly interface.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. interface between departments
“She acts as the primary interface between the marketing and engineering departments.”
noun + prep + noun
07. user interface design
“He decided to specialize in user interface design to improve how people interact with technology.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. at the interface
“Interesting innovations often happen at the interface of biology and computer science.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“The interface can be a little cluttered, and there are features buried in the settings that you’ll probably never touch.” “For example, app interfaces have different formats for reporting hours, and gig workers don’t receive a standard pay stub with total hours worked.” “In Spokane, dry, windy conditions converged in what’s known as the wildland-urban interface – an area where neighborhoods have been built into the forests, shrublands and grasslands.” “And then there are the applications where the interface is for robots, software, or other AI models, not humans.” Etymology
From inter- (“between”) + face (“shape, figure, form”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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