surface
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the outside part or top layer of something.
n.the outermost boundary or exterior part of a physical object.
Simple“The surface of the table was smooth and shiny after being polished.”
In context“The probe landed successfully on the rocky surface of the asteroid, sending back high-resolution images of the terrain.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the top part of a body of water or other liquid.
n.the upper boundary of a liquid that is in contact with the atmosphere.
Simple“A small leaf floated quietly on the surface of the pond.”
In context“The submarine remained just below the surface to avoid detection by radar while maintaining visual contact through the periscope.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the way someone or something looks on the outside, which might be different from the truth.
n.the external or superficial aspect of a person, situation, or thing as opposed to its underlying reality.
Simple“On the surface, the plan seemed perfect, but it had many hidden problems.”
In context“Beneath the calm surface of the diplomatic negotiations, both nations were preparing for the possibility of a total breakdown in communication.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a shape that has length and width but no thickness.
n.the locus of an equation in a space of three or more dimensions, typically having two degrees of freedom.
Simple“The teacher asked us to calculate the area of the curved surface.”
In context“The researcher used complex algorithms to map the irregular surface of the manifold in four-dimensional space.”
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to come up to the top of the water.
v.to rise to the surface of a body of water from beneath.
Simple“The whale surfaced to breathe before diving back into the deep ocean.”
In context“After nearly an hour underwater, the divers finally surfaced near the support boat.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to appear or become public after being hidden.
v.to emerge or become apparent after a period of being hidden or unknown.
Simple“New evidence has surfaced that might change the result of the trial.”
In context“Rumours of a corporate takeover began to surface shortly after the CEO announced her unexpected resignation.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the outside or top layer of something.
adj.pertaining to or occurring on the exterior boundary of an object.
Simple“The doctor treated the surface wound, but he was worried about internal injuries.”
In context“The surface tension of the liquid allowed the insect to walk across the water without sinking.”
UsageUsually placed before a noun.
Synonyms
Usage surface water · surface area · surface temperatures
From Middle French surface. By surface analysis, sur- + face. Doublet of superficies.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.