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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
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
rootEnglish Dictionary