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Glite Dictionary
to re-face

to re-face

7.0
To put a new surface on something to make it look or work better
  • verb
  • /ˌriːˈfeɪs/
translation icon : rehacer
  • After years of wear, the fireplace was re-faced with new stone tiles.

Examples

  • They decided to re-face the old kitchen cabinets to give them a modern look.

  • The company will re-face the building's exterior to improve its appearance.

  • After years of wear, the fireplace was re-faced with new stone tiles.

  • They decided to re-face the old building.

  • The team re-faces the countertops every few years.

  • They decided to re-face the old kitchen cabinets to give them a modern look.

  • The company will re-face the building's exterior to improve its appearance.

Synonyms

to face
vsto re-face
  • Specialized
84 7.0

To cover the edge or surface of something with another material

is more specifically about applying a new surface to improve use or look
to refinish
vsto re-face
9 6.1

Make furniture or floors look new by removing old paint and putting on new paint

does not require removing the old finish and focuses on adding a new surface
to resurface
vsto re-face
4 3.9

To put a new surface on a road or floor

has the same meaning but stresses improving appearance or function
to recoat
vsto re-face
1 3.5

To put a new layer of paint or finish on something already painted

is broader, able to mean any new surface not only another coating
to reface
vsto re-face
1 6.7

To put new material on the surface of something so it looks new

emphasizes improving function as well as appearance rather than only looks
to replate
vsto re-face
  • Specialized
8.3

Cover an object again with a thin metal layer to make it look new

uses broader materials and purposes beyond a thin metal coating
to change surface
vsto re-face
5.2

To make the outside of something look, feel, or work differently

is more active, meaning to deliberately add a new surface to improve things

Antonyms

to damage
885 1.4

To harm something so it becomes less useful, valuable, or healthy

to deteriorate
146 5.9

To get worse in quality, condition, or value

How Renewed

to remodel
35 3.7
to refurbish
31 4.6
to re-face
7.0
to touch up
8 3.8

Surface Forms

re-face infinitive
re-faced past
re-faced past participle
re-facing present participle
re-faces third person singular

Morphology

re-face = face (semi-transparent) = re + face

The prefix 're-' is clear, but the relevant verb sense of 'face' meaning 'apply a surface or facing' is less obvious to many learners.

Etymology

Re-face comes from the parts re- meaning 'again' and face meaning 'front' or 'surface', the same 'face' you see on a clock or a building. So to re-face something is to put a new front or surface on it to make it look or work better.