You searched for: “facades
facade (s) (noun), facades (pl)
1. The imposing front of a building, typically facing important or busy streets: The facade of the hotel was getting a facelift, to refresh the exterior.
2. A false or deceptive appearance or behavior: The facade of the spy was decorative and pretty, disguising a keen intelligence and observational skills.
This entry is located in the following unit: Words of French origin (page 4)
facade, façade (s) (noun); facades, façades (pl)
1. The front of a building; especially, an imposing or decorative one with special architectural design: It was interesting to see the windowless facade of the skyscraper in New York.
2. A showy, artificial, or deceptive misrepresentation intended to conceal something unpleasant or a superficial appearance or illusion of something: Somehow Sam's company managed to maintain a facade of wealth and well-being despite their financial losses.

Henry could sense the hostility that was lurking behind Mildred's polite facade.

3. Etymology: "front of a building" from French façade, from Italian facciata; from faccia, "face"; from Vulgar (Common) Latin facia, "face".
The front of the face presenting a false impression.
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This entry is located in the following unit: English Words in Action, Group F (page 1)