What is face? Pronunciation and usage in English

face means . Learn how to pronounce and use face through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of face

facenoun/verb

/feɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of face

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "face" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common pronunciation is:

  • /feɪs/ (rhymes with "say")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "F": Pronounced as you'd expect – /f/
  • "a": Pronounced like the "a" in "father" – /eɪ/ (a long "a" sound)
  • "ce": Pronounced as a single sound, like "s" – /s/

Putting it together: /feɪs/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "a" sound: This is the key. Make it a long, open sound, like you're saying "father."
  • Don't add an extra "e" sound: Many people mistakenly say "face-ee." Avoid that!

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word face in English

Let's break down how to use the word "face" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown, with examples:

1. The Physical Face (Most Common)

  • Definition: The part of your head that you see, containing your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a beautiful face."
    • "He frowned when he heard the news."
    • "I accidentally splashed coffee on my face."

2. To Confront or Deal With (A Challenge or Situation)

  • Definition: To deal with something difficult or unpleasant; to acknowledge and handle a problem. This is a very common usage.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to face the facts." (Acknowledge the reality)
    • "He finally decided to face his fears." (Confront something scary)
    • "We must face the consequences of our actions." (Deal with the results)
    • "She faced criticism head-on." (Actively dealt with criticism)
    • "The company is facing tough competition." (Dealing with a competitive situation)

3. To Appear Before a Court or Authority

  • Definition: To appear in a courtroom or before a government official.
  • Examples:
    • "The suspect will face trial next week."
    • "He was summoned to face a hearing."
    • "The defendant faced the judge."

4. To Look Someone in the Eye (Direct Gaze)

  • Definition: To look someone directly in the eyes, often to show confidence, challenge, or seriousness.
  • Examples:
    • "He faced me down and refused to back down." (Looked me in the eye, asserting himself)
    • "She faced him with the evidence." (Presented the evidence with a direct gaze)

5. "Face" as a Noun (Related to Appearance/Identity)

  • Definition: Your appearance, often referring to your outward look or expression.
  • Examples:
    • "He has a weathered face." (Referring to his appearance)
    • "Her face betrayed her sadness." (Her expression showed her sadness)
    • “The mask tried to conceal her face.”

6. "Face" as a Verb (To Turn Towards)

  • Definition: To turn one's face in a particular direction.
  • Examples:
    • "He faced the sun."
    • "The dog faced its owner."

7. Idiomatic Expressions with "Face"

  • "Save face": To avoid embarrassment or shame; to preserve one's dignity. “He tried to save face by apologizing.”
  • "Keep a straight face": To avoid laughing or smiling, usually when something is funny or inappropriate. “It was hard to keep a straight face during the joke.”
  • "Save face": To avoid looking foolish.
  • "Face the music": To accept the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions. “He skipped work and now he has to face the music.”
  • “To face up to…” - to accept a difficult situation or truth.

Tips for Using "Face" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “face” changes drastically based on how it's used in a sentence.
  • Pay attention to the verb: "Face" is most often used as a verb, meaning to deal with something.
  • Consider the nuance: Different phrases with “face” (like “save face,” “face the music”) have very specific meanings.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are there any particular sentences you've encountered where you weren't sure about how to use "face"?
  • Is there a specific context you’d like to explore (e.g., business English, everyday conversation, etc.)?

Synonyms for the word face

Practice with vocabulary face

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. Companies often have to ______ significant challenges when expanding into new markets.
  2. The architectural design emphasized the building's northern ______, which receives ample natural light.
  3. Throughout her career, she managed to ______ many unexpected opportunities.
  4. A key ______ of their strategic plan involves developing sustainable energy solutions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose all the correct words that can complete each sentence appropriately.

  1. After the financial audit, the company had to ______ the harsh truth about its declining profits. A) avoid B) face C) accept D) ignore E) confront

  2. The digital clock on the old town hall's ______ stopped working last night. A) surface B) front C) dial D) face E) facade

  3. The new office space will ______ the river, offering panoramic views to employees. A) overlook B) face C) look out D) perceive E) gaze at

  4. It is crucial for leaders to ______ complex decisions with courage and clarity. A) postpone B) address C) tackle D) sidestep E) handle

  5. Despite the glossy ______, the report contained several factual inaccuracies. A) exterior B) veneer C) shell D) surface E) cover

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions.

  1. Original: The company is experiencing significant financial difficulties. Rewrite using "face":

  2. Original: He remained calm even when confronted by a barrage of difficult questions. Rewrite using "face" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The team had to confront a new set of challenges after the market shift. Rewrite WITHOUT using "face" or "confront":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. face
  2. face
  3. encounter
  4. aspect

Exercise 2:

  1. B, C, E (face, accept, confront)
  2. B, D, E (front, face, facade)
  3. A, B, C (overlook, face, look out)
  4. B, C, E (address, tackle, handle)
  5. A, B, D (exterior, veneer, surface)

Exercise 3:

  1. The company is facing significant financial difficulties.
  2. He remained calm even when he faced a barrage of difficult questions.
  3. The team had to address a new set of challenges after the market shift.

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