full face

full face

A young woman looks full face at the viewer with a friendly smile.

Definition
  1. Adverb (or used as an adverbial phrase):
    • With the face turned directly toward the viewer: "full face" means showing the entire front of the face, as in a photograph or portrait, without turning to the side.
    • Directly from the front: Used to describe an orientation where the face is not in profile or angled.
Usage Examples
  • (With his face turned directly toward the viewer.)
  • (The entire front of the face must be visible.)
  • (The painting shows the face from the front.)
Advanced Usage
  • "in full face": an alternative phrasing meaning the same as "full face."
    • The actor appeared in full face for the opening scene, making direct eye contact with the audience. (The actor's face was completely visible from the front.)
  • "full-face" (as a compound adjective): used before a noun to describe something that covers or shows the entire face.
    • He wore a full-face helmet for protection. (A helmet that covers the entire face.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Full-face (adj): describing something that covers or relates to the entire face.
    • A full-face mask is required for scuba diving. (A mask that covers the entire face.)
  • Full-face view (n): a perspective or image showing the entire face from the front.
    • The passport application requires a full-face view of the applicant. (An image showing the face directly from the front.)
Synonyms
  • Frontal: relating to or coming from the front.
  • En face: a French term used in art and photography meaning "facing the viewer" (similar to "full face").
  • Head-on: directly from the front (often used for movement or confrontation, but not typically for facial orientation).
Related Idioms
  • Face full on: an informal expression meaning directly facing someone or something.
    • He looked her face full on and smiled. (He looked directly at her face without turning away.)
  • In the face: directly confronting or facing something.
    • She stared the challenge in the face without flinching. (She confronted the challenge directly.)