Meaning of Word
Facade: The outward appearance or face of something, often used to describe a deceptive or superficial appearance.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Facade (noun): The front or outer surface of a building, especially the principal one.
- Facade (noun): A deceptive outward appearance that hides true feelings or reality; a false front.
- Facade (noun): The superficial or outward appearance of something, especially when it is not indicative of the true nature.
History and Origin
The word facade comes from the French word façade, which means “front” or “face,” and derives from the Italian word facciata, meaning “frontage” or “face” of a building. The term originally referred to the architectural front of a building and has been used figuratively since the 18th century to describe a deceptive outward appearance or false impression.
Detailed Explanation
Facade has both literal and figurative meanings.
- Literally, it refers to the exterior face or front of a building, especially the main or most impressive one, often designed to be aesthetically pleasing or to convey a specific image.
- Figuratively, it refers to an outward appearance that may mask or conceal the true nature or emotions behind it. It suggests that the external presentation is meant to create a specific impression, which may not align with what is truly happening inside.
Example Sentences
- The grand facade of the building hides the simple interiors.
- Despite his cheerful facade, he was struggling with personal issues.
- The new shopping mall boasts an impressive glass facade.
- Behind her calm facade, she was dealing with a lot of stress.
- The company’s facade of success hid the financial troubles it was facing.
- The ornate facade of the cathedral was a masterpiece of architecture.
- His smile was just a facade to cover his true feelings.
- The politician maintained a facade of confidence during the interview.
- The house had a charming facade, but the backyard was neglected.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Front: The exterior or outward surface of something.
- Exterior: The outer part or surface, especially of a building.
- Pretense: A false display or show, often to hide the truth.
- Mask: A covering or outward appearance that hides the real nature.
- Surface: The outermost layer or appearance, without revealing deeper truths.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Appearance: The way something looks or seems, especially externally.
- Impression: The effect or feeling created by someone’s or something’s appearance.
- Veil: A covering that hides or obscures something, often used figuratively.
- Disguise: To alter the appearance or presentation to hide the true nature.
- Camouflage: A method of concealing the true appearance by blending in or creating a false front.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Frontage: The part of a building or land that faces a street or open space.
- Facade lighting: Decorative lighting used to highlight the front of a building.
- Cover-up: An attempt to conceal the truth or facts, often through false appearances.
- False front: An outward appearance that hides the real situation or feelings.
- Superficial: Concerned only with the surface or appearance, without deeper insight.
Antonyms
- Reality: The true state of things, as opposed to a false appearance.
- Truth: The actual facts or state of affairs.
- Genuineness: The quality of being authentic and true, without deception.
- Sincerity: The quality of being open, honest, and free from pretense.
- Transparency: The quality of being clear, open, and honest in appearance and actions.