interface
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The new app has a very simple interface that is easy for beginners to use.”
In context“The design team focused on creating an intuitive user interface to reduce the learning curve for the new enterprise software.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The software needs a special interface to talk to the printer.”
In context“The API provides a standardised interface that allows third-party developers to integrate their tools with our core database.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“Scientists studied how the chemicals reacted at the interface between the liquid and the gas.”
In context“Surface tension is a result of the unique molecular forces acting at the interface of the two fluids.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Our sales team needs to interface with the marketing department more often.”
In context“The project manager's primary role is to interface with the client to ensure all technical requirements are being met.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'with'.
SynonymsAntonyms
“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.”
From inter- (“between”) + face (“shape, figure, form”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.