ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surface

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈsɝfəs// UK //sˈɜːfɪs// sur·face
  1. 1 outer layer (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the outside part or top layer of something.

    the outermost boundary or exterior part of a physical object.

    Example

    The surface of the table was smooth and shiny after being polished.

    Example

    The probe landed successfully on the rocky surface of the asteroid, sending back high-resolution images of the terrain.
  2. 2 top of a liquid (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the top part of a body of water or other liquid.

    the upper boundary of a liquid that is in contact with the atmosphere.

    Example

    A small leaf floated quietly on the surface of the pond.

    Example

    The submarine remained just below the surface to avoid detection by radar while maintaining visual contact through the periscope.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 outward appearance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way someone or something looks on the outside, which might be different from the truth.

    the external or superficial aspect of a person, situation, or thing as opposed to its underlying reality.

    Example

    On the surface, the plan seemed perfect, but it had many hidden problems.

    Example

    Beneath the calm surface of the diplomatic negotiations, both nations were preparing for the possibility of a total breakdown in communication.
  2. 4 mathematical shape (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    a shape that has length and width but no thickness.

    the locus of an equation in a space of three or more dimensions, typically having two degrees of freedom.

    Example

    The teacher asked us to calculate the area of the curved surface.

    Example

    The researcher used complex algorithms to map the irregular surface of the manifold in four-dimensional space.
  3. 5 to rise up (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to come up to the top of the water.

    to rise to the surface of a body of water from beneath.

    Example

    The whale surfaced to breathe before diving back into the deep ocean.

    Example

    After nearly an hour underwater, the divers finally surfaced near the support boat.
  4. 6 to become known (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to appear or become public after being hidden.

    to emerge or become apparent after a period of being hidden or unknown.

    Example

    New evidence has surfaced that might change the result of the trial.

    Example

    Rumours of a corporate takeover began to surface shortly after the CEO announced her unexpected resignation.
  5. 7 on the outside (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the outside or top layer of something.

    pertaining to or occurring on the exterior boundary of an object.

    Example

    The doctor treated the surface wound, but he was worried about internal injuries.

    Example

    The surface tension of the liquid allowed the insect to walk across the water without sinking.

    Usage

    Usually placed before a noun.
Origin

From Middle French surface. By surface analysis, sur- + face. Doublet of superficies.

Word family
Idioms2 entries

© 2026 English Reference