facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfa-sət How to pronounce facet (audio)
1
: any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration)
Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.
2
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration
3
: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium
4
: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)
faceted adjective
or facetted

Examples of facet in a Sentence

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention. the different facets of our culture Which facet of his character is most appealing? the facets of a diamond
Recent Examples on the Web This is the web version of Fortune CEO Weekly Europe, a newsletter on the companies and industry leaders shaping every facet of business in Europe. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024 From solitary travelers finding solace to lovers entwined in intimate whispers, each vignette reflects facets of human existence. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 After all, everyone is a layperson in some facets of their existence. Zach St. George, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The hands-on, hard work, connection with the earth, and ability to be outside and play in the mud is what sold me on being in some facet of vineyard work or winemaking for the rest of my life. Noël Burgess, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Each letter affords Stauffer a chance for a ruminative riff on whichever facet of Byron’s history and character happened to be glittering most brightly at the time. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 In fact, the developers doubled down on the minigames by not just designing games specific to particular towns or questlines but incorporating them into just about every facet of the game. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Nikola Jokić controlled every facet of the game, posting an absurd stat line of 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists with four steals. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024 Originally, Fisher proposed a list of 15 questions, each unique and relating to the various financial facets of a business. Jacob Wolinsky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'facet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French facette "individual surface (of an object with many surfaces, as a gem)," going back to Middle French fasette, from face face entry 1 + -ette -ette

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of facet was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near facet

Cite this Entry

“Facet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facet. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

facet

noun
fac·​et ˈfas-ət How to pronounce facet (audio)
1
: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)
2
: a definable aspect of something
explained all facets of the company
3
: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye
faceted
ˈfas-ət-əd
adjective

Medical Definition

facet

noun
fac·​et ˈfas-ət How to pronounce facet (audio)
ˌfa-ˈset
: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface
the articular facet of a bone
faceted adjective
or facetted

More from Merriam-Webster on facet

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