front-facing
|front-face-ing|
/ˈfrʌntˌfeɪsɪŋ/
facing forward
Etymology
'front-facing' originates from English, formed as a compound of the noun 'front' and the present participle 'facing' (from the verb 'face'), where 'front' meant the fore part or forward side and 'face' meant the surface or aspect that faces outward.
'front' comes via Old French 'front' from Latin 'frons'/'front-' meaning 'brow, forehead, forepart'; 'face' comes via Old French 'face' from Latin 'facies' meaning 'form, appearance'. The compound 'front-facing' is a modern English formation combining these elements to describe orientation toward the front.
Initially, the elements referred separately to the 'front' and to 'facing' (the act of looking or being directed). Over time the compound came to be used adjectivally to describe things oriented toward the front or intended to interact with the public, its current meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
facing or directed toward the front; designed or oriented so that the front part faces outward or toward something.
The house has a front-facing balcony that overlooks the street.
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Adjective 2
relating to roles, products, or functions that interact with or are visible to customers or the public (public-facing).
She works in a front-facing role at the company, handling client inquiries.
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Last updated: 2026/01/08 15:19