facade
fuh-SAHD
/fəˈsɑːd/
A deceptive outward appearance; the front of a building.
Suggests that what is visible on the surface is significantly different from what is underneath.
The story behind the word. Borrowed from French, which took it from the Italian 'facciata'. It originally referred to the face of a building, but by the 19th century, it was used metaphorically for a false social front.
Word relationships
- veneer: A veneer is a thin layer; a facade is a whole front or face.
- reality: The actual state of things.
Commonly confused with
- face: A face is a natural part of a person; a facade is often constructed or artificial.
Word family
- facades (noun): Plural of facade.
Collocations
- maintain a facade
- behind the facade
- cracks in the facade
Example sentences
- "The company's facade of environmental responsibility crumbled when the toxic spill was discovered." Describing a company's image.
- "The building had a grand marble facade, but the interior was crumbling and neglected." Describing architecture and metaphor.
Memory hook
A facade is a 'fake-face'. Fake face of a building.
When not to use
Do not use if the appearance is genuine.
Fun facts
- In Hollywood, 'facade' sets are often just the fronts of buildings held up by wooden beams.
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