Your face is the front part of your head from your chin to the top of your forehead, where your mouth, eyes, nose, and other features are.
He rolled down his window and stuck his face out.
A strong wind was blowing right in my face.
He was going red in the face and breathing with difficulty.
She had a beautiful face.
Synonyms: countenance, features, clock [British, slang], kisser [slang, old-fashioned] More Synonyms of face
2. countable noun [adjective NOUN]
If your face is happy, sad, or serious, for example, the expression on your face shows that you are happy, sad, or serious.
He was walking around with a sad face.
The priest frowned into the light, his face puzzled.
Synonyms: expression, look, air, appearance More Synonyms of face
3. countable noun
The face of a cliff, mountain, or building is a vertical surface or side of it.
...the north face of the Eiger. [+ of]
He scrambled 200 feet up the cliff face.
Synonyms: side, front, cover, outside More Synonyms of face
4. countable noun
The face of a clock or watch is the surface with the numbers or hands on it, which shows the time.
5. singular noun
If you say that the face of an area, institution, or field of activity is changing, you mean its appearance ornature is changing.
...the changing face of the British countryside. [+ of]
This would change the face of Malaysian politics.
6. singular noun
If you refer to something as the particular face of an activity, belief, or system, you mean that it is one particular aspect of it, in contrast to other aspects.
We aim to expose the ugly face of Western authoritarianism in the third world. [+ of]
7.
See to lose face
8. See also about-face, face value, poker face
9.
See blow up in sb's face
10.
See until sb is blue in the face
11.
See face down/up
12.
See the face of the earth
13.
See off/from the face of the earth
14.
See face to face
15.
See face to face
16.
See to fly in the face of
17.
See in the face of sth
18.
See to laugh in someone's face
19.
See a long face
20.
See to make a face
21.
See on the face of it
22.
See put a brave face on sth/put on a brave face
23.
See to set your face against sth
24.
See to show your face
25.
See a straight face
26.
See to sb's face
27.
See to be written all over someone's face
28. to shut the door in someone's face
29. to have egg on your face
30. to cut off your nose to spite your face
31. shut your face
32. a slap in the face
More Synonyms of face
face verb and phrasal verb uses
(feɪs)
Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense faces, present participle facing, past tense, past participle faced
1. verb
If someone or something faces a particular thing, person, or direction, they are positioned opposite them or arelooking in that direction.
They stood facing each other. [VERB noun]
The garden faces south. [VERB adverb/preposition]
Synonyms: look onto, overlook, be opposite, look out on More Synonyms of face
2. verb
If you face someone or something, you turn so that you are looking at them.
She stood up from the table and faced him. [VERB noun]
Stand up. Face the wall. [VERB noun]
3. verb
If you have to face a person or group, you have to stand or sit in front of them and talk to them, although it may be difficult and unpleasant.
Christie looked relaxed and calm as he faced the press. [VERB noun]
He was hauled in to face the judge. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: confront, meet, encounter, deal with More Synonyms of face
4. verb
If you face or are faced with something difficult or unpleasant, or if it faces you, it is going to affect you and you have to deal with it.
Williams faces life in prison if convicted of attempted murder. [VERB noun]
We are faced with a serious problem. [beVERB-ed + with]
5. verb
If you face the truth or face the facts, you accept that something is true. If you face someone with the truth or with the facts, you try to make them accept that somethingis true.
Although your heart is breaking, you must face the truth that a relationship hasended. [VERB noun]
He accused the Government of refusing to face facts about the economy. [VERB noun]
He called a family conference and faced them with the problems. [VERB noun + with]
Face up to means the same as face2 [sense 5].
I have grown up now and I have to face up to my responsibilities. [VERBPARTICLEPARTICLE noun]
They were having to face up to the fact that they had lost everything. [VERBPARTICLEPARTICLE noun]
6. verb [with neg]
If you cannotface something, you do not feel able to do it because it seems so difficult or unpleasant.
I couldn't face the prospect of spending a Saturday night there, so I decided topress on. [VERB noun/verb-ing]
My children want me with them for Christmas Day, but I can't face it. [VERB noun]
I couldn't face seeing anyone. [VERB verb-ing]
7.
See let's face it
8. face the music
Phrasal verbs:
See face down
See face up to
face in British English
(feɪs)
noun
1.
a.
the front of the head from the forehead to the lower jaw; visage
b.
(as modifier)
face flannel
face cream
2.
a.
the expression of the countenance; look
a sad face
b.
a distorted expression, esp to indicate disgust; grimace
she made a face
3. informal
make-up (esp in the phrase put one's face on)
4.
outward appearance
the face of the countryside is changing
5.
appearance or pretence (esp in the phrases put a bold, good, bad, etc, face on)
6.
worth in the eyes of others; dignity (esp in the phrases lose or save face)
7. informal
impudence or effrontery
8.
the main side of an object, building, etc, or the front
the face of a palace
a cliff face
9.
the marked surface of an instrument, esp the dial of a timepiece
10.
the functional or working side of an object, as of a tool or playing card
11.
a.
the exposed area of a mine from which coal, ore, etc, may be mined
b.
(as modifier)
face worker
12.
the uppermost part or surface
the face of the earth
13. Also called: side
any one of the plane surfaces of a crystal or other solid figure
14. mountaineering
a steep side of a mountain, bounded by ridges
15.
either of the surfaces of a coin, esp the one that bears the head of a ruler
16. British slang
a well-known or important person
17. Also called: typeface printing
a.
the printing surface of any type character
b.
the style, the design, or sometimes the size of any type fount
c.
the print made from type
18. nautical, aeronautics
the aft or near side of a propeller blade
19. fly in the face of
20. in one's face
21. in face of
22. look someone in the face
23. on the face of it
24. set one's face against
25. show one's face
26. shut one's face
27. to someone's face
28. until one is blue in the face
verb
29. (whenintr, often foll by to, towards, or on)
to look or be situated or placed (in a specified direction)
the house faces on the square
30.
to be opposite
facing page 9
31. (transitive)
to meet or be confronted by
in his work he faces many problems
32. (transitive)
to accept or deal with something
let's face it, you're finished
33. (transitive)
to provide with a surface of a different material
the cuffs were faced with velvet
34.
to dress the surface of (stone or other material)
35. (transitive)
to expose (a card) with the face uppermost
36. military, mainly US
to order (a formation) to turn in a certain direction or (of a formation) to turnas required
right face!
37. ice hockey
a.
(of the referee) to drop (the puck) between two opposing players, as when starting or restarting play
See also face-off
b.
to start or restart play in this manner
38. face the music
Derived forms
faceable (ˈfaceable)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin facia (unattested), from Latin faciēs form, related to facere to make
FACE in British English
abbreviation for
Fellow of the Australian College of Education
face in American English
(feɪs)
noun
1.
the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, and from ear to ear; visage; countenance
2.
the expression of the countenance
3.
a surface of a thing
; esp.,
a.
the front, upper, or outer surface or part
b.
any one of the surfaces of a geometric figure or crystal
4.
the side or surface that is marked, as of a clock, playing card, domino, etc., or that is finished, as of fabric, leather, etc.
5.
the appearance; outward aspect; semblance
6.
facial makeup; cosmetics
used chiefly in the phrases do one's face and put one's face on
7.
dignity; self-respect; prestige
: used chiefly in the phrase lose (or save) face
8.
the topography (of an area)
9.
the functional or striking surface (of a tool, golf club, etc.)
10.
what is shown by the language of a document, without explanation or addition
11. Informal
effrontery; audacity
12. Mining
the end of a tunnel, drift, etc., where work is being done
13. Printing
a.
the type surface on which a letter is cut; printing part of a letter or plate
b.
the full selection of type of a certain design
verb transitiveWord forms: faced or ˈfacing
14.
to turn, or have the face or front turned, toward
the building faces the square
15.
to meet or confront squarely or face to face
16.
to confront with boldness, courage, etc.
17.
to acknowledge and accept (facts, the truth, etc.)
18.
to put another material on the surface of
19.
to level and smooth the surface of (esp. a block of stone)
20.
to turn (a card, etc.) with the face up
21. Military
to cause (a formation of soldiers) to pivot by giving the appropriate command
22. Sewing
to apply a facing to (a collar, edge, etc.)
verb intransitive
23.
to turn, or have the face turned, toward a specified thing or person, or in a specifieddirection
24. Military
to pivot in a specified direction: usually in the form of a command
right face!
Idioms:
be (or get) in someone's face
face down
face off
face to face
face up to
fly in the face of
in the face of
make a face
on the face of it
pull a long face
put a bold face on
set one's face against
show one's face
to someone's face
SYNONYMY NOTE: face is the basic, direct word for the front of the head; , countenance refers to the face as it reflects the emotions or feelings and is, hence, often appliedto the facial expression [his happy countenance]; visage refers to the form, proportions, and expression of the face, especially as indicativeof general temperament [a man of stern visage]; physiognomy refers to the general cast of features, esp. as characteristic of an ethnic groupor as supposedly indicative of character [the physiognomy of an honest man]
Word origin
ME < OFr < VL facia < L facies, the face, appearance < base of facere, do1
More idioms containing
face
written all over your face
throw something back in someone's face
take something at face value
take someone at face value
stare something in the face
stare someone in the face
someone will be laughing on the other side of their face
someone cannot look someone in the face
someone can do something until they are blue in the face
show your face
set your face against something
say something to someone's face
save face
put a brave face on something
pull a face
not have the face
lose face
look someone in the face
keep a straight face
have a long face
have a face like thunder
get out of someone's face
get in someone's face
fly in the face of something
fall flat on your face
come face to face with something
come face to face with someone
blow up in your face
get egg on your face
cut off your nose to spite your face
plain as the nose on your face
a slap in the face
face the music
COBUILD Collocations
face
familiar face
friendly face
Examples of 'face' in a sentence
face
The look on my face told the representative all she needed to know.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Only at the mention of football did the face of the guard soften.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Seeing smiles back on family faces really makes your day.
The Sun (2017)
Why will they be the only ones facing a bleak future?
The Sun (2016)
He turned to leave and then turned back to face us.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We wanted and needed to show the beautiful face of Syria.
The Sun (2016)
The deal now faces a possible plebiscite, with activists arguing that it erodes democratic accountability and empowers big business.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Being seen to be looking after one's health is the acceptable face of spending large amounts of money on oneself.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
So I am suspicious when a whole new area of the face or body suddenly appears to be a target for the cosmetics industry.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
They were facing a side that had shipped three goals in each of their three previous away games in the Premier League this season.
The Sun (2016)
She has a beautiful face and healthy skin and hair.
The Sun (2013)
We will end up having to cut any deal to save face.
The Sun (2011)
The problem is one faced by each individual for himself and herself.
Wood, David Philosophy at the Limit (1990)
When you are facing something like cancer some of the old clichés suddenly make sense.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It was as if he disappeared off the face of the earth.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Unions suggest that could be the next area to face a crisis.
The Sun (2014)
Keep your head facing forwards and make sure you land with steady feet.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Their happy smiling little faces fill both ends of the pipe.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Each could be tilted or panned to face in any direction for maximum security.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
So the town was made to present a more acceptable face.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It is perhaps the biggest threat facing football.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This brought fresh energy and put a younger face on our church.
Christianity Today (2000)
There are too many people around with sad faces.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Will it change the face of architecture?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The cliff face across the bay burned orange.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
He has a happy look on his face.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
His alarm clock lay face down on the bed.
Aldiss, Brian Somewhere East of Life (1994)
Turn them face down on to two large baking sheets and set aside.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Journalists covering combat shoulder great responsibilities and face difficult choices.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Can you put fame to the beautiful face?
The Sun (2014)
The Arsenal boss now faces the biggest challenge of his career.
The Sun (2009)
Quotations
The face is the image of the soulCiceroDe Oratore
The face is the soul of the bodyLudwig WittgensteinJournal
I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of thatLauren Bacall
At 50, everyone has the face he deservesGeorge Orwelllast entry in notebook
Was this the face that launched a thousand ships And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?Christopher MarloweDoctor Faustus
In other languages
face
British English: face /feɪs/ NOUN
Your face is the front part of your head.
She has a beautiful face.
American English: face
Arabic: وَجْه
Brazilian Portuguese: rosto
Chinese: 脸
Croatian: lice
Czech: obličej
Danish: ansigt
Dutch: gezicht
European Spanish: cara
Finnish: kasvot
French: visage
German: Gesicht
Greek: πρόσωπο
Italian: viso
Japanese: 顔
Korean: 얼굴
Norwegian: ansikt
Polish: twarz
European Portuguese: rosto
Romanian: față
Russian: лицо
Latin American Spanish: cara
Swedish: ansikte
Thai: ใบหน้า
Turkish: yüz
Ukrainian: обличчя
Vietnamese: mặt
British English: face /feɪs/ VERB
To face a particular direction means to look directly in that direction.
They stood facing each other.
American English: face
Arabic: يُواجِهُ
Brazilian Portuguese: encarar
Chinese: 面对
Croatian: gledati prema
Czech: směřovat
Danish: stå over for
Dutch: kijken naar
European Spanish: volverse hacia
Finnish: kohdata
French: faire face à
German: gegenüberstehen
Greek: αντιμετωπίζω
Italian: affrontare
Japanese: ･･･に向かう 方角
Korean: 직면하다
Norwegian: stå overfor
Polish: stanąć wobec
European Portuguese: encarar
Romanian: a sta cu fața spre
Russian: быть обращенным
Latin American Spanish: enfrentarse
Swedish: möta
Thai: เผชิญหน้า
Turkish: bakmak karşılıklı
Ukrainian: бути зверненим до
Vietnamese: đối mặt
All related terms of 'face'
O face
the facial contortions typically displayed by a person during sexual climax
en face
facing forwards
baby-face
a smooth round face like a baby's
bold face
a weight of type characterized by thick heavy lines, as the entry words in this dictionary
face-ache
neuralgia
face card
(in a pack of playing cards ) a king, queen , or jack of any suit
face cord
a measure of wood cut for fuel , as arranged in a pile 8 feet wide , 4 feet high, and with pieces 12 to 18 inches in length
face down
If you face someone down , you oppose them or defeat them by being confident and looking at them boldly.
face fly
a dipterous fly ( Musca autumnalis ) that feeds on the eye secretions of cattle
face-lift
a cosmetic surgical operation for tightening sagging skin and smoothing unwanted wrinkles on the face
face mask
A face mask is a device that you wear over your face, for example to prevent yourself from breathing bad air or from spreading germs, or to protect your face when you are in a dangerous situation .
face-off
the method of starting a game , in which the referee drops the puck , etc between two opposing players
face out
to endure (trouble)
face pack
A face pack is a thick substance which you spread on your face, allow to dry for a short time, and then remove, in order to clean your skin thoroughly.
face time
Face-time is time that you spend talking directly to someone, rather than talking by phone or email.
full face
a round full face
game face
a facial expression that suggests a strong determination to succeed
long face
a disappointed , solemn , or miserable facial expression
lose face
to be made to look foolish or to do something which damages your reputation
new face
Someone who is new in a particular public role can be referred to as a new face .
old face
a type style that originated in the 18th century, characterized by little contrast between thick and thin strokes
rock face
a perpendicular side of a rock
save face
to do something so that people continue to respect you and your reputation is not damaged
face to face
If you come face to face with someone, you meet them and can talk to them or look at them directly .
about-face
An about-face is a complete change of attitude or opinion .
change face
to rotate the telescope of a surveying instrument through 180° horizontally and vertically, taking a second sighting of the same object in order to reduce error
cliff face
the vertical face of a cliff
clock face
the dial of an analogue clock , marked with divisions representing units of time
face action
Action is doing something for a particular purpose.
face cloth
a small towelling cloth used for washing
face court
A court is a place where legal matters are decided by a judge and jury or by a magistrate .
face cream
Face cream is a thick substance that you rub into your face in order to keep it soft.
face danger
Danger is the possibility that someone may be harmed or killed.
face death
Death is the permanent end of the life of a person or animal.
face facts
Facts are pieces of information that can be discovered .
face guard
a guard used to protect a player's face
face-harden
to harden the surface of ( steel or iron ) by the addition of carbon at high temperature
face powder
Face powder is a very fine soft powder that you can put on your face in order to make it look smoother.
face-saver
A face-saver is an action or excuse which prevents damage to your reputation or the loss of people's respect for you.
face-saving
A face-saving action is one which prevents damage to your reputation or the loss of people's respect for you.
face towel
a small towel for the face
face value
The face value of things such as coins, paper money , investment documents , or tickets is the amount of money that they are worth, and that is written on them.
kissy-face
an engaging in kissing , caressing , etc.
light face
a weight of type characterized by light thin lines
poker face
A poker face is an expression on your face that shows none of your feelings .
smiley face
a stylized representation of a smiling face, typically a yellow circle with dots for eyes and a curved line for a smile, used as in a memo to suggest approval , a joking tone , etc.
volte-face
If you say that someone's behaviour is a volte-face , you mean that they have changed their opinion or decision completely, so that it is the opposite of what it was before.
face-centred
(of a crystal) having a lattice point at the centre of each face of each unit cell as well as at the corners
face flannel
A face flannel is a small cloth made of towelling which you use for washing yourself.
face painting
decorative painting of the face, esp for children
Chinese translation of 'face'
face
(feɪs)
n
(c) (Anat) 脸(臉) (liǎn) (张(張), zhāng)
⇒ She had a beautiful face.她的脸很漂亮。 (Tā de liǎn hěn piàoliang.)
(c) (= expression) 表情 (biǎoqíng) (个(個), gè)
⇒ He looked at her with a puzzled face.他用疑惑的表情看着她。 (Tā yòng yíhuò de biǎoqíng kànzhe tā.)
(c)[of clock]正面 (zhèngmiàn) (个(個), gè)
(c)[of mountain, cliff]陡面 (dǒumiàn)
⇒ the north face of Mount Tai泰山朝北的陡面 (Tàishān cháo běi de dǒumiàn)
[of building]面 (miàn)
(c) (= side)[of cube, dice etc]面 (miàn)
(s) (= aspect)[of belief, system]一面 (yī miàn)
⇒ the ugly face of capitalism资本主义丑恶的一面 (zīběn zhǔyì chǒu'è de yī miàn)
[of city, institution]面貌 (miànmào)
⇒ The face of a city can change completely in a year.城市的面貌一年一个样。 (Chéngshì de miànmào yī nián yī gè yàng.)
vt
[direction]
[person]面向 (miànxiàng)
[building, seat, car]朝 (cháo)
(= confront) 面临(臨) (miànlín)
⇒ We are faced with a serious problem.我们正面临一个严重的问题。 (Wǒmen zhèng miànlín yī gè yánzhòng de wèntí.)
[unpleasant situation]面对(對) (miànduì)
[truth, facts]正视(視) (zhèngshì)
⇒ Williams faces life in prison if convicted.如果被定罪的话，威廉姆斯将面临终生监禁。 (Rúguǒ bèi dìngzuì de huà, Wēiliánmǔsì jiāng miànlín zhōngshēng jiānjìn.)
⇒ We simply must face facts.我们显然必须得正视现实。 (Wǒmen xiǎnrán bìxū děi zhèngshì xiànshí.)
vi
[person]面向 (miànxiàng)
[building, seat, car]朝 (cháo)
⇒ He was facing forwards.他面向前方。 (Tā miànxiàng qiánfāng.)
⇒ The garden faces south.这座花园朝南。 (Zhè zuò huāyuán cháo nán.)
I can't or couldn't face it我应(應)付不了 (wǒ yìngfù bùliǎo)
to be or lie face down/up[person]俯卧(臥)/仰卧(臥) (fǔwò/yǎngwò) [card]正面 (zhèngmiàn)
to lose/save face丢(丟)/挽回面子 (diū/wǎnhuí miànzi)
to make or (Brit) pull a face (at sb)(对(對)某人)做鬼脸(臉) ((duì mǒurén) zuò guǐliǎn)
in the face of[difficulties, opposition]失灵(靈) (miànduì)
on the face of it (= superficially) 表面看来(來) (biǎomiàn kànlái)
to come face to face with[person]与(與) ... 面对(對)面 (yǔ ... miàn duì miàn) [problem]正视(視) (zhèngshì)
the front of the head from the forehead to the lower jaw
She had a beautiful face.
Synonyms
countenance
features
clock (British, slang)
kisser (slang, old-fashioned)
profile
dial (British, slang)
mug (slang)
I managed to get my ugly mug on telly.
visage
physiognomy
his thick black hair and bony Irish physiognomy
lineaments
phiz or phizog (slang, informal)
2 (noun)
Definition
one's expression
He was walking around with a sad face.
Synonyms
expression
He sat there with a sad expression on his face.
look
They've opted for a rustic look in the kitchen.
air
The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air.
appearance
He had the appearance of a college student.
aspect
The snowy tree assumed a lifeless aspect.
countenance (literary)
He met each inquiry with an impassive countenance.
3 (noun)
Definition
the front or main side of an object, building, etc.
We climbed 200 feet up the cliff face.
Synonyms
side
The copier only copies onto one side of the paper.
front
He kept up a brave front.
cover
outside
the outside of the building
Grill until the outsides are browned.
surface
The road surface had started breaking up.
aspect
Climate affects every aspect of our lives.
exterior
The exterior of the building was a masterpiece of architecture.
right side
elevation
the addition of a two-storey wing on the north elevation
facet
The stones shone back at her, a thousand facets of light in their white-gold settings.
vertical surface
4 (noun)
Definition
the surface of a clock or watch that has the numbers or hands on it
The face of the clock was painted yellow.
Synonyms
dial
display
5 (noun)
Players like him have changed the face of snooker.
Synonyms
nature
The protests had been non-political in nature.
image
We are financially clean but we do need to improve our image.
character
There is a side to his character which you haven't seen yet.
appearance
concept
She added that the concept of arranged marriages is misunderstood in the west.
conception
The symphony is admirable in its conception.
make-up
He became convinced that there was some fatal flaw in his make-up.
6 (noun)
They don't want a war but they don't want to lose face.
Synonyms
self-respect
respect
I have tremendous respect for him.
reputation
The stories ruined his reputation.
dignity
standing
He has improved his country's standing abroad.
authority
image
regard
I have a very high regard for him and what he has achieved.
status
She cheated banks to satisfy her desire for money and status.
honour
The country's national honour was at stake.
esteem
He is held in high esteem by his colleagues.
prestige
Her work gained her international prestige.
self-image
mana (New Zealand)
a leader of great mana and influence
7 (noun)
(informal)
I haven't the face to ask her for money.
Synonyms
impudence
One sister had the impudence to wear the other's clothes.
front
confidence
She always thinks the worst of herself and has no confidence whatsoever.
audacity
He had the audacity to look at his watch while I was talking.
nerve (informal)
He had the nerve to ask me to prove who I was.
neck (informal)
sauce (informal)
cheek (informal)
I'm amazed they have the cheek to ask in the first place.
assurance
He led the orchestra with assurance.
gall (informal)
She had the gall to suggest that I might lend her the money.
presumption
He had the presumption to answer me back.
boldness
chutzpah (US, Canadian, informal)
sass (informal)
effrontery
He had the effrontery to turn up on my doorstep at 2 in the morning.
brass neck (British, informal)
sassiness (informal)
1 (verb)
Definition
to be opposite
The garden faces south.
Synonyms
look onto
overlook
be opposite
look out on
front onto
give towards or onto
2 (verb)
Definition
to be confronted by
She looked relaxed and calm as she faced the press.
Synonyms
confront
She pushed her way through the mob and confronted him face to face.
meet
Never had she met such spite and pettiness.
encounter
They were about to cross the border and encounter Iraqi troops.
deal with
oppose
Mr Taylor was bitter towards those who had opposed him.
tackle
I tackled him about how he could tolerate such behaviour.
cope with
experience
couples who have experienced the trauma of divorce
brave
They had to brave her anger and confess.
defy
This was the first time that I had dared to defy her.
come up against
be confronted by
face off (slang)
3 (verb)
There are two main health risks that face women.
Synonyms
beset
The country is beset by severe economic problems.
worry
‘Why didn't you tell us?’ – ‘Didn't want to worry you.’
trouble
Is anything troubling you?
bother
That kind of jealousy doesn't bother me.
distress
I did not want to frighten or distress her.
plague
I'm not going to plague you with a lot of questions.
4 (verb)
Definition
to provide with a surface of a different material
Synonyms
coat
line
They line their dens with leaves or grass.
level
cover
She was soaking wet and covered with mud.
finish
The bowl is finished in a pearlized lustre.
dress
surface
clad
veneer
overlay
The floor was overlaid with rugs of Turkish design.
a very large dark wood table overlaid in glass
sheathe
phrasal verb
See face someone down
phrases
See face up to
idioms
See face to face
See fly in the face of something
See make or pull a face at someone
See on the face of it
See pull (or make) a long face
See put on a brave face
See show your face
See to your face
figurative note
The core sense of face is that of the front of the head. In humans, face can mean facial expression, particularly that of negative emotion in the phrase make or pull a face. When applied to inanimate objects, face refers to the functional side of an object or the side facing front, e.g. clock face and cliff face. There is some semantic overlap between the terms façade and face. Both can refer to the frontage of a building, and equally can refer to the outer appearance of a person or situation, especially the presentation of a deceptive image, e.g. a façade of unity and on the face of it. The idea of self-image is also present in the phrases lose face and save face, where face is self-respect. The verbal sense of face is associated with movement forwards or towards the front, having the meaning of opposite in location in facing south, and opposing in argument in facing down.
Quotations
The face is the image of the soul [Cicero – De Oratore]The face is the soul of the body [Ludwig Wittgenstein – Journal]I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that [Lauren Bacall]At 50, everyone has the face he deserves [George Orwell – last entry in notebook]Was this the face that launched a thousand ships And burnt the topless towers of Ilium? [Christopher Marlowe – Doctor Faustus]