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

Outside Sales Representative An outside sales rep is true to its name—the role is done outside, in-person, face-to-face. —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Consumers crave authentic connections with brands, and nothing bridges that gap like face-to-face engagement. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024

If seeing family face-to-face feels overwhelming, lean on technology. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Dec. 2024

The visit brought Trump face-to-face with Zelenskyy, who was also expected to attend the Notre-Dame reopening. —Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 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