Definition

Noun: A false face is a mask, typically made of plastic, rubber, or papier-mâché, designed to cover the wearer's face to conceal their identity or to represent a different character, often as part of a costume for events like Halloween or masquerade balls.

Usage

The term "false face" is used to describe the physical mask itself. It is often associated with costumes for disguise or entertainment. * The child wore a scary false face for trick-or-treating. * For the masquerade party, she chose an elegant Venetian false face decorated with feathers.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used metaphorically to suggest a deceptive outward appearance or a facade, though this is less common than the literal meaning.
  • He presented a cheerful false face to the world, hiding his true feelings.

Variants and Related Words

• Mask (n): A more common and general synonym for a face covering.
• Disguise (n/v): Can refer to a full costume or altered appearance intended to conceal identity.
• Persona (n): The aspect of someone's character that is presented to others, often used in a psychological or social context rather than for a physical mask.

Synonyms

• Mask
• Disguise (when referring to the face-covering element)
• Visor (specifically for a mask covering the upper face)

Related Idioms

• To put on a false face: To pretend to feel or be something one is not; to be insincere.
  • She had to put on a false face of confidence during the presentation.

Noun

1. a mask worn as part of a masquerade costume