surface
word
/ˈsɝfəs/
SUR-fus
/sˈɜːfɪs/
SUR-fis
Definition
The outside or top layer of something. As a verb, it can also mean to appear or become visible, especially after being hidden.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly a noun: 'the surface of the water', 'a smooth surface'. As a verb, it is less common in everyday speech and often appears in news or formal contexts: 'new evidence surfaced'. Also common in the phrase 'on the surface', meaning 'appearing one way at first'.
Spanish: superficie - salir a la superficiePortuguese (BR): superfície - vir à tonaPortuguese (PT): superfície - vir à superfícieChinese (Simplified): 表面 - 浮出水面Chinese (Traditional): 表面 - 浮出水面Hindi: सतह - सतह पर आनाArabic: سطح - يطفو إلى السطحBengali: পৃষ্ঠ - উপরিভাগRussian: поверхность - всплывать (глагол)Japanese: 表面 - 浮上する (動詞)Vietnamese: bề mặt - nổi lên (động từ)Korean: 표면 - 드러나다 (동사)Turkish: yüzey - ortaya çıkmak (fiil)Urdu: سطح - ظاہر ہونا (فعل)Indonesian: permukaan - muncul (kata kerja)
Example Sentences
The table has a smooth surface.
basic
The fish came to the surface of the water.
basic
Bubbles surface when the water boils.
basic
On the surface, everything looked fine, but we were all stressed.
natural
Some old family problems started to surface again.
natural
If any new details surface, let me know right away.
natural