How Do You Spell SURFACE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɜːfɪs] (IPA)

The word "surface" is spelled s-ə-r-f-ə-s. This is because the first vowel sound is a schwa, which is a neutral vowel sound that can be spelled with an 'e' or an 'a'. The 'c' in "surface" is silent, which is why it's spelled with an 's' instead of a 'c'. The second vowel sound is an 'i', which is followed by the 'f' sound and an 'ə' which is indistinct. The 'e' at the end of "surface" is silent, which is why this word is spelled with only one syllable.

SURFACE Meaning and Definition

  1. Surface can be defined as the outermost or topmost layer of an object that is exposed or visible. It refers to the external boundary or facing that covers the inner contents or structure of an entity. Surface is concerned with the exterior appearance or quality of an object, which can be observed or touched. It is the part that comes into direct contact with its surroundings or interacts with other materials, substances, or forces.

    In the realm of physical objects, surface refers to the flat or curved exterior area or plane of an item, such as the surface of the earth or the surface of a table. It is the portion of an object that can be evaluated by its dimensions, texture, or visual properties. Surface can also relate to specific materials or finishes applied to an object in order to modify its appearance, characteristics, or functionality.

    In the context of science and mathematics, surface can have a broader definition. It refers to a two-dimensional geometric figure that represents the boundary or intersection of a three-dimensional solid or the solution set of an equation. It can describe the exterior framework of an object or represent various shapes, such as flat, curved, or irregular surfaces. Surfaces can be analyzed and studied in the fields of physics, engineering, biology, and other scientific disciplines to understand their properties, behavior, and interactions with different types of energy or matter.

  2. The upper face or side of a thing; the outside; the upper stratum of the soil; that which has length and breadth only.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SURFACE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SURFACE

Etymology of SURFACE

The word "surface" comes from the Old French word "sorface" or "sourface", which originated from the Latin word "superfacies". In Latin, "super" means "above" or "over", and "facies" means "face" or "form". Thus, the literal translation of "superfacies" is "above or over the face/form". Over time, the word "superfacies" evolved into "surface" in English, retaining its original meaning of the outer part or exterior face of an object.

Idioms with the word SURFACE

  • scratch/scrape the surface The idiom "scratch/scrape the surface" means to only superficially examine, analyze, or understand something, without delving deeply into its complexities or details. It refers to the act of merely touching the surface of a matter, task, or subject without thoroughly exploring or investigating it.
  • scratch the surface "Scratch the surface" is an idiom that means to examine or explore something only superficially or to a limited extent, without delving into its deeper or more complex aspects. It implies that the initial understanding obtained is merely the beginning and that there is a vast amount of underlying information or complexity yet to be discovered or understood.
  • raise sm or sth to the surface (of sth) The idiom "raise something/someone to the surface (of something)" means to bring or draw attention to something or someone that has been hidden or unnoticed, typically in a metaphorical sense. It suggests uncovering or exposing something that was previously concealed or not visible, allowing it to come to the forefront or become noticeable.
  • raise to the surface The idiom "raise to the surface" means to bring something hidden or buried to the attention or awareness of others. It refers to revealing or making known something that was previously concealed, whether intentionally or accidentally.
  • scratch the surface (of something) The idiom "scratch the surface of something" means to only understand or explore a small portion, or the superficial aspects, of a topic, situation, or problem, without truly delving deep into it or gaining a comprehensive understanding. It implies a superficial examination or a mere introduction to a subject without going into its intricacies or complexities.
  • below/beneath the surface The idiom "below/beneath the surface" refers to something that is not immediately apparent or visible, but exists or is happening in a deeper or underlying manner. It suggests that there is something more to a situation, person, or thing that requires further investigation or understanding.
  • scratch beneath the surface The idiom "scratch beneath the surface" means to investigate or explore beyond the superficial or apparent aspects of something in order to discover the underlying truth or hidden meaning. It implies the need to go deeper and uncover the layers of a situation, person, or issue to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
  • look beneath the surface The idiom "look beneath the surface" means to investigate or analyze a situation or person more deeply than what is initially apparent or visible. It involves seeking underlying meanings, motives, or hidden truths rather than accepting surface-level appearances at face value.

Similar spelling words for SURFACE

Plural form of SURFACE is SURFACES

Conjugate verb Surface

CONDITIONAL

I would surface
you would surface
he/she/it would surface
we would surface
they would surface

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be surfacing
you would be surfacing
he/she/it would be surfacing
we would be surfacing
they would be surfacing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have surface
you would have surface
he/she/it would have surface
we would have surface
they would have surface

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been surfacing
you would have been surfacing
he/she/it would have been surfacing
we would have been surfacing
they would have been surfacing

FUTURE

I will surface
you will surface
he/she/it will surface
we will surface
they will surface

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be surfacing
you will be surfacing
he/she/it will be surfacing
we will be surfacing
they will be surfacing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have surfaced
you will have surfaced
he/she/it will have surfaced
we will have surfaced
they will have surfaced

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been surfacing
you will have been surfacing
he/she/it will have been surfacing
we will have been surfacing
they will have been surfacing

IMPERATIVE

you surface
we let´s surface

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to surface

PAST

I surfaced
you surfaced
he/she/it surfaced
we surfaced
they surfaced

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was surfacing
you were surfacing
he/she/it was surfacing
we were surfacing
they were surfacing

PAST PARTICIPLE

surfaced

PAST PERFECT

I had surfaced
you had surfaced
he/she/it had surfaced
we had surfaced
they had surfaced

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been surfacing
you had been surfacing
he/she/it had been surfacing
we had been surfacing
they had been surfacing

PRESENT

I surface
you surface
he/she/it surfaces
we surface
they surface

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am surfacing
you are surfacing
he/she/it is surfacing
we are surfacing
they are surfacing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

surfacing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have surfaced
you have surfaced
he/she/it has surfaced
we have surfaced
they have surfaced

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been surfacing
you have been surfacing
he/she/it has been surfacing
we have been surfacing
they have been surfacing
I would have surfaced
we would have surfaced
you would have surfaced
he/she/it would have surfaced
they would have surfaced