face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˈfās-tə-ˈfās 

1

: within each other's sight or presence

met and talked face-to-face

a face-to-face consultation

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

came face-to-face with the problem

Synonyms

• personally
• tête-à-tête

Examples of face-to-face in a Sentence

I won't believe that accusation until I meet with him face-to-face and ask him myself

came face-to-face with her lifelong fear of flying even before the plane left the runway

Recent Examples on the Web

By Judy Berman June 7, 2024 7:00 AM EDT Hulu’s wonderful new dramedy Queenie opens with an overhead, medium close-up shot that puts viewers face-to-face with the show’s namesake heroine. —Judy Berman, TIME, 7 June 2024

Now Shannon has to come face-to-face with John's new girlfriend — and the ex-wife of Jim Bellino, who famously lost a lawsuit against Shannon before. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

Some are banning phones entirely to hold students’ focus and ensure that socializing happens face-to-face. —Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 5 June 2024

After the oxide is chemically modified, the two chips are then pressed together face-to-face, so the recessed pads align with each. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

face-to-face

adverb or adjective

ˌfās-tə-ˈfās

1

: within each other's close presence

met face-to-face

2

: in or into direct contact or confrontation

face-to-face with a crisis