Idioms for face

Origin of face

1250–1300; (noun) Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French < Vulgar Latin *facia, for Latin faciēs facies; (v.) late Middle English facen, derivative of the noun

SYNONYMS FOR face

1 Face, countenance, visage refer to the front of the (usually human) head. The face is the combination of the features: a face with broad cheekbones. Countenance, a more formal word, denotes the face as it is affected by or reveals the state of mind, and hence often signifies the look or expression on the face: a thoughtful countenance. Visage, still more formal, refers to the face as seen in a certain aspect, especially as revealing seriousness or severity: a stern visage.
2 appearance, aspect, mien.
7 exterior.
14 façade.
30 veneer.

OTHER WORDS FROM face

British Dictionary definitions for save face (1 of 2)

FACE

abbreviation for

Fellow of the Australian College of Education

British Dictionary definitions for save face (2 of 2)

face
/ (feɪs) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of face

faceable, adjective

Word Origin for face

C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin facia (unattested), from Latin faciēs form, related to facere to make

Medical definitions for save face

face
[ fās ]

n.

The front portion of the head, from forehead to chin.
Facies.

Scientific definitions for save face

face
[ fās ]

A plane surface of a geometric solid. A cube has 6 faces; a dodecahedron, 12.
Any of the surfaces of a rock or crystal.

Idioms and Phrases with save face (1 of 2)

save face

Avoid humiliation or embarrassment, preserve dignity, as in Rather than fire him outright, they let him save face by accepting his resignation. The phrase, which uses face in the sense of “outward appearances,” is modeled on the antonym lose face. [Late 1800s]

Idioms and Phrases with save face (2 of 2)

face