Definition of facade

facadenoun

mặt tiền

/fəˈsɑːd//fəˈsɑːd/

The word "facade" has a rich history. It originated in the 14th century from the Old French word "façade," which means "face" or "front." This term was borrowed from the Latin "facies," also meaning "face" or "countenance." Initially, the word referred to the visible exterior appearance of a building, often used in architectural contexts. Over time, the meaning of "facade" expanded to encompass not only physical structures but also metaphorical ones. Today, it can describe a person's outer appearance, behavior, or attitude that hides their true character or feelings, known as a "false facade." In contrast, an authentic facade represents a genuine or true presentation of oneself. In essence, the word "facade" has evolved to encompass both the literal and figurative senses of the term, encompassing the complex interplay between appearance and reality.

namespace

the front of a building

mặt trước của một tòa nhà

Example:
  • a classical facade

    mặt tiền cổ điển

the way that somebody/something appears to be, which is different from the way somebody/something really is

cách mà ai đó/thứ gì đó trông có vẻ khác với bản chất thực sự của ai đó/thứ gì đó

Example:
  • She managed to maintain a facade of indifference.

    Cô cố gắng duy trì vẻ ngoài thờ ơ.

  • They seem happy together, but it’s all a facade.

    Họ có vẻ hạnh phúc bên nhau, nhưng tất cả chỉ là bề ngoài.

  • Squalor and poverty lay behind the city's glittering facade.

    Sự nghèo khó và nghèo đói ẩn sau vẻ ngoài hào nhoáng của thành phố.

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