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

Another debate would have marked only the third time that the two candidates have met face-to-face: the first at the Sept. 10 ABC News debate and the second at a 9/11 memorial ceremony the following morning. —Colson Thayer, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024

This trend is exemplified by New York City’s MTA system, where awareness created through contactless usage by millions of daily riders is contributing to 75% of face-to-face transactions being tapped in New York City. —Bill Hardekopf, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Knowing how to talk dirty could be particularly game-changing for those in long-distance relationships, where digital contact matters as much as face-to-face interaction. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2024

The park also gives children the opportunity to come face-to-face with wild and exotic animals from around the world and a magic show. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Sep. 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