The spelling of "face about" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "face," is pronounced /feɪs/, with a long "a" sound and a voiced "s" at the end. The second syllable, "about," is pronounced /əˈbaʊt/, with a schwa sound at the beginning and a long "ow" sound in the middle. When combined, "face about" is pronounced /feɪs əˈbaʊt/. This phrase means to turn around or change direction, often used in military or nautical contexts.
"Face about" is a verb phrase that describes the action of turning one's face or body in the opposite direction, typically making a complete 180-degree turn. When someone "faces about," they pivot their whole body or head to face the opposite way, essentially reversing their orientation.
The term is often used in a literal sense, such as when someone is physically turning around to look or move in the opposite direction. It can be observed in various situations, such as military drill exercises or when following a new path while walking or running. In such cases, "face about" indicates a clear change in direction or perspective.
However, "face about" can also be used figuratively to describe a shift in opinion, stance, or attitude. It implies a complete reversal in one's viewpoint or position on a particular matter. For instance, if a person initially supports a particular policy but then does a "face about," they reverse their opinion and now oppose the policy.
The phrase "face about" carries a sense of transformation and redirection. It suggests a complete turnaround, both physically and metaphorically, emphasizing a change in direction, perception, or belief.
The phrase "face about" does not have a specific etymology as a standalone word or phrase. However, if you are referring to the phrasal verb "to face about", it can be broken down as follows:
- "Face" comes from the Old French word "facer", meaning "to turn one's face". It has roots in Latin "facies", meaning "appearance" or "face".
- "About" comes from the Old English word "abutan", which means "on the outside" or "around".
When combined in the phrasal verb "to face about", it implies turning one's face or body in a different direction, often to face the opposite way or to change position.