Definition of face

Short definition: The word face means the front part of a person’s head where the eyes, nose, and mouth are, and it also means to deal with a problem or situation. People use it to talk about emotions shown through expressions, personal identity, and the challenges they have to face in daily life.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word face? The word face is one of those everyday words that carries many layers of meaning. We use it when talking about the front of our head, but also when describing emotions, challenges, responsibility, and the way we present ourselves to the world. In daily life, face appears in conversations about confidence, fear, honesty, and even simple things like recognizing someone in a crowd. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way, with explanations that sound human and natural—not stiff like a textbook.

Noun forms: face, faces
Verb forms: face, faces, facing, faced
Related: facial adj., facing n., face-to-face adj.
Syllable: face

1. The front part of a person’s head, where the eyes, nose, and mouth are.

   In its most basic meaning, face refers to the part of your body that people look at first when they see you. It shows emotions clearly—happiness, sadness, surprise, anger— sometimes even before you say a word. Our face is closely tied to identity, because it is how others recognize us and how we express who we are.

   She smiled as soon as she saw his face, relieved to finally meet someone she had missed for so long.
   You could tell from his face that he was nervous about speaking in front of the crowd.
   After a long day, her tired face in the mirror reminded her that she really needed some rest.

   Synonyms: visage, countenance, expression, look, features, front of the head, facial area, appearance, facial look, profile, facial expression, outer look
   Antonyms: back of the head, rear side, nape, backside, hidden side, unseen side, back view, rear view, reverse side, unseen face, covered face, masked side

2. A person’s expression that shows feelings or reactions.

   Very often, face means more than just skin and features. It can describe the look you give when you feel something strongly— excitement, disappointment, shock, or joy. In this sense, your face becomes like a window to your emotions.

   His face lit up when he heard the good news, and everyone in the room could feel his excitement.
   She tried to keep a calm face, even though she was feeling nervous inside.
   The look on her face said everything, even before she spoke a single word.

   Synonyms: expression, look, reaction, appearance, facial look, emotional display, visible feeling, outward sign, facial response, look of emotion, emotional face, mood on the face
   Antonyms: blank look, poker face, hidden emotion, no expression, emotionless look, flat expression, mask, covered feelings, unreadable face, neutral look, cold expression, blank stare

3. To deal with or confront a difficult situation.

   As a verb, face often means having the courage to deal with something that feels scary, uncomfortable, or challenging. It suggests not running away, but standing up and meeting the situation directly. People use this meaning when talking about problems, fears, or big life decisions.

   She finally decided to face her fear of flying, because she didn’t want anxiety to limit her life anymore.
   He had to face the truth about his mistakes, even though it was painful to admit them.
   Together, they faced the challenges of starting a new business, supporting each other through every tough moment.

   Synonyms: confront, deal with, handle, meet, tackle, stand up to, face up to, address, take on, come to terms with, accept and deal with, face head-on
   Antonyms: avoid, run from, escape, ignore, hide from, deny, turn away from, dodge, refuse to face, pretend it’s not there, overlook, shy away from

4. The way a person presents themselves to others.

   Sometimes face is about image rather than appearance. It refers to how you want others to see you— as confident, kind, professional, or strong. In social life, people often try to “save face,” meaning they want to keep their dignity and respect in front of others.

   He tried to keep a brave face at work, even though he was going through a difficult time at home.
   She didn’t want to lose face, so she handled the mistake calmly instead of blaming others.
   Sometimes people put on a happy face, even when they are struggling inside.

   Synonyms: image, reputation, public image, dignity, pride, social standing, outward appearance, personal image, social face, how you appear to others, public face, self-image
   Antonyms: shame, embarrassment, loss of respect, disgrace, humiliation, bad reputation, damaged image, loss of dignity, public shame, ruined image, dishonor, social fall

5. The front or surface of an object.

   Beyond people, face can also describe the front part of things. It might be the face of a building, a clock, or even a mountain. In this sense, it simply means the side that looks outward or is most visible.

   The face of the old building was covered with colorful murals, making the street feel more alive.
   He checked the face of his watch, surprised at how quickly time had passed.
   The hikers stood at the face of the mountain, amazed by how tall and powerful it looked up close.

   Synonyms: front, surface, outward side, visible side, outer part, front side, facade, exterior, outer face, visible front, display side, leading side
   Antonyms: back, rear, inside, interior, hidden side, backside, inner part, reverse side, concealed surface, inner face, back view, unseen side