front

/frʌnt/
the forward part or surface of something

The front of the house faces the street.

The part of the house that is visible from the street is called the front.


general

the forward part or surface of something

She stood at the front of the line.

She was at the beginning of the line, closest to the entrance.

Can refer to the forward part of an object, a building, or a group of people.

theater

the area or position at the front of a stage or performance space

The lead actor took center front.

The main performer stood in the middle of the front area of the stage.

In theater, 'front' often refers to the area closest to the audience.

figurative

the leading or most important part of an activity or movement

He was at the front of the civil rights movement.

He was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement.

Used metaphorically to describe leadership or prominence in a cause or effort.

Collocations

front doorthe main entrance to a buildingfront pagethe first page of a newspaperfront linethe position closest to the enemy in a battle

Related Phrases

in front ofphrase
located or positioned before something
front and centeridiom
in a prominent or central position

Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Front' is often used to describe the forward-facing part of an object or the leading part of a group.

Gold Rule

Positional Context

When using 'front', consider whether you are referring to a physical position or a metaphorical one.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'front', from Old French 'front', from Latin 'frons' meaning 'forehead'.

Usage Notes

Can be used as a noun or adjective (e.g., 'front view', 'front desk').

Word Breakdown

front
forward part or surface
root
English Dictionary