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Interface Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：user-friendly surface (interface)

interface 🔊

/ˈɪntəfeɪs/

In technology, the part of a computer, software, or device that allows you to interact with it. It's what you see on the screen and click on, like the buttons and menus.

Interface illustration: person using a smartphone with a clear app screen showing icons.

user-friendly surface 🔊

➕

/ˌjuːzər ˈfrendli ˈsɜːrfɪs/

The visual and interactive part of a software or device that allows a person to communicate with it.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inter-' (between) + 'facies' (face, form). Literally 'a facing between'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think INTERnational airport: a place where different SYSTEMS (airlines, passengers) meet and INTERACT (FACE to face).

📖 Example

The new phone has a very simple and beautiful interface that even my grandparents find easy to use. 🔊 The new phone's interface is very simple and aesthetically pleasing, making it accessible even for elderly users.

🔗 Collocations

user interface (UI) – The means by which a user interacts with a device or software.

graphical user interface (GUI) – An interface that uses visual elements like icons and windows.

application programming interface (API) – A set of rules allowing different software applications to communicate.

🔄 Synonyms

UI (n.) – Abbreviation for user interface; the specific design of the interactive components.

dashboard (n.) – A control panel or screen presenting key information and controls.

front end (n.) – The part of a system that users directly interact with.

🚫 Antonyms

back end (n.) – The part of a system that handles data processing and logic, not seen by users.

🌱 Derivatives

interfacial (adj.) – Relating to or situated at an interface.

interfacing (n.) – The action or process of connecting or communicating.

📖 Cultural Story

The term originated in the mid-19th century, initially describing a surface forming a common boundary. Its technological meaning emerged in the 1960s with computing. A key cultural scene is its use in product design discussions (e.g., 'The app's interface is intuitive'), central to user experience (UX).

Meaning 2：point of interaction (interface)

interface 🔊

/ˈɪntəfeɪs/

A point or place where two different systems, groups, or things meet and have an effect on each other.

Interface diagram: finger touching an interactive touchscreen display creating a ripple effect.

point of interaction 🔊

➕

/pɔɪnt əv ˌɪntərˈækʃən/

A point or system where two separate entities, groups, or subjects meet and communicate or affect each other.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My job is to act as the interface between the engineering team and the marketing department to make sure everyone is on the same page. 🔊 My role involves serving as the communication link connecting the engineering team with the marketing department to ensure alignment.

🔗 Collocations

interface between – The connecting point or relationship separating two distinct entities.

interface with – To interact or communicate with another system or group.

seamless interface – A perfectly smooth and efficient connection between systems.

🔄 Synonyms

junction (n.) – A point where two or more things are joined.

nexus (n.) – A central or focal point where connections link.

liaison (n.) – A person who acts as a link to assist communication between groups.

🚫 Antonyms

barrier (n.) – A fence or obstacle that prevents movement or communication.

divide (n.) – A wide difference or separation between two groups, views, or things.