face
- noun
- /feɪs/
- After the vote, creationists tried to save face by insisting they had scored a victory.
- save face
- lose face
- loss of face
Examples
-
In diplomatic negotiations, both parties must prioritize saving face to maintain their standing.
-
In the end, a compromise was reached, one that saved face for everyone but left no one happy.
Academic text (2008) -
I see the joy on your face, hear the sadness in the music.
Academic text (2017) -
I must say, Susan, your courage in the face of the enemy is inspiring.
-
Territorial sovereignty is diminished in the face of human necessity.
-
Vengeance is both rational and morally justifiable in the face of injustice.
-
He lost face in the community after the scandal was revealed.
-
To avoid losing face, she decided to apologize publicly for her mistake.
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
Accept and deal with unpleasant results or criticism for something you did
- Informal
To fail completely and feel embarrassed in front of others
- Informal
A strong feeling you can clearly see on someone's face
- Informal
Disappear completely so no one knows what happened and no sign is left
Deliberately do something that hurts you more than the person you want to punish
- Offensive
A person who is attractive but thought to have little intelligence or real skill
- Informal
To keep your face looking serious and not show you are laughing
- Informal
Someone or something disappears completely so nobody knows where they are
- Offensive
Act in a way that shows strong disrespect and insults someone
A face that clearly shows success and happiness
Compounds
- Specialized
A number printed on a ticket, coin, or bond that shows its official worth
- Specialized
Surgery that tightens the skin on the face and removes extra tissue to make someone look younger
A covering worn over the nose and mouth to protect against dust, germs, or pollution
- Specialized
A computer system that identifies a person by comparing their face with saved photos
- US
A set of metal bars attached to the front of a football helmet that protects the player's face
- Specialized
Computer systems check who a person is by scanning their face
- Specialized
The turn between two edges that meet at a corner on a flat side of a 3D shape
- Offensive
A slang, often rude, name for a mask people wear over their mouth and nose
A company that sells certificates and promises to pay a fixed amount on a set date
- Slang
A cartoon face with an open mouth and wide eyes used in internet memes to show real or fake excitement
- South African
A small plant with thick leaves that looks like a stone and has yellow or white flowers
- Informal
A check to see if you can keep a serious face when something is funny
How Respected
Surface Forms
Etymology
Face comes from Latin facies 'appearance', and this idea of public appearance became a word for reputation. That's why keeping or losing face means keeping or losing respect.