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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Facade: Definition, Usage & Key Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：false front (facade)

facade 🔊

/fəˈsɑːd/

A false appearance or way of behaving that hides your real feelings or the true nature of a situation.

false front 🔊

➕

/fɔːls frʌnt/

A deceptive outward appearance that conceals true feelings or the actual nature of a situation.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'façade', Italian 'facciata', Latin 'facies' meaning 'face'.

💡 Mnemonic

Sounds like 'face' – it's the front you show, hiding the real behind.

📖 Example

He kept a cheerful facade at work, even though he was exhausted and stressed about personal problems. 🔊 He maintained a happy outward appearance at work despite feeling tired and stressed.

🔗 Collocations

maintain a facade – to keep up a false appearance

put up a facade – to create a deceptive front

break the facade – to reveal the truth behind the appearance

🔄 Synonyms

mask (n.) – a covering for the face used to hide or disguise

pretense (n.) – an attempt to make something false appear true

veneer (n.) – a thin decorative covering that hides the true nature

🚫 Antonyms

authenticity (n.) – the quality of being genuine or real

honesty (n.) – truthfulness and sincerity

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English from French in the 17th century, derived from Latin 'facies' (face). Initially for building fronts, later extended metaphorically for deceptive appearances.

Meaning 2：building front (facade)

facade 🔊

/fəˈsɑːd/

The front of a building, especially a large and important one, that is often decorated.

Architectural facade example: ornate front exterior of a grand historical building with columns.

building front 🔊

➕

/ˈbɪldɪŋ frʌnt/

The decorated front exterior of a building, often designed for aesthetic appeal and public view.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The old city hall is famous for its beautiful stone facade with intricate carvings. 🔊 The historic city hall is renowned for its ornate stone front with detailed carings.

🔗 Collocations

ornate facade – a highly decorated building front

stone facade – a front made of stone

restore the facade – to repair or renew the building's front

🔄 Synonyms

front (n.) – the forward-facing part of a building

exterior (n.) – the outer surface or face of a structure

face (n.) – the main visible surface of a building

🚫 Antonyms

interior (n.) – the inside part of a building

back (n.) – the rear part of a structure