façade

/fəˈsɑːd/ French Origin Language

Original Word

façade

French

Entered English

17th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "façade"

From French 'façade', from Italian 'facciata' (face of a building). In architecture, refers to the front exterior of a building. Figuratively, it means a deceptive outward appearance.

Example Usage

"Behind the cheerful façade, she was struggling with personal problems."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

cliché — cliché Language · Late 19th century naive — naïve Language · 17th century voilà — voilà Language · 18th century critique — critique Language · 17th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century café — café Food & Drink · 19th century