1
Core meaning
The front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
Example
The restoration preserved the theatre's stone facade.
facade
/fəˈsɑːd/ · fuh-SAHDnoun
The front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
Use facade to express this relationship precisely: the front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
What facade Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
His calm manner was a facade that concealed considerable anxiety.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Behind the organisation's charitable facade lay a commercial enterprise.
Use facade Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The restoration preserved the theatre's stone facade.
His calm manner was a facade that concealed considerable anxiety.
Behind the organisation's charitable facade lay a commercial enterprise.
Precision Matters
Facade overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
facade
vs.Means the front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
at face value
Means according only to the apparent or literal meaning, without deeper examination.
facade
vs.Means the front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
ostensible
Means stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily genuine or actual.
facade
vs.Means the front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
illusory
Means not real or based on a misleading appearance.
facade
vs.Means the front exterior of a building; figuratively, a false outward appearance that conceals reality.
opaque
Means not allowing light through; figuratively, difficult or impossible to understand.
Test facade in Context
The outward appearance is false and conceals the actual condition.
1
The company maintained a ___ of financial stability even as its debts rapidly increased.