the outside or top layer of something, the upper limit or level of a body of liquid or other material

surface level, break the surface, surface tension

on the surface, scratch the surface, come to the surface

Formal and Informal Expressions of surface

In different contexts, you can replace 'surface' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'exterior, upper layer' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'top, outside' is a commonplace synonym.

surface: Explore its Definition & Usage

surface Definition

1the outside or top layer of something
2the upper limit or level of a body of liquid or other material

Using surface: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "surface" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The surface of the water was calm.
Example
The table has a smooth surface.
Example
The spacecraft will soon land on the surface of Mars.
Example
She tried to keep her emotions from showing on the surface.

surface Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for surface

Antonyms for surface

Idioms Using surface

surface level
relating to or involving only the most obvious or basic aspects of something
Example
The article only covered surface-level details about the company's financial situation.
break the surface
to emerge from water or another liquid and become visible
Example
The dolphin broke the surface of the water and then dove back down again.
surface tension
the force that causes the molecules at the surface of a liquid to be pushed together and form a barrier
Example
The surface tension of the water allowed the paper clip to float on top.

Phrases with surface

on the surface
appearing to be a certain way, but not necessarily reflecting what is truly happening
Example
On the surface, everything seemed fine, but underneath there were serious problems.
scratch the surface
to only begin to understand or deal with a problem or subject
Example
We've only scratched the surface of this issue; there's still so much more to learn.
come to the surface
to become known or visible after being hidden or secret
Example
The truth about his past eventually came to the surface and caused a scandal.

Origins of surface

from Old French 'sur' meaning 'over' and 'face' meaning 'countenance'

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Summary: surface in Brief

The term 'surface' [ˈsɜːfɪs] refers to the outermost layer of an object or the upper limit of a body of liquid. It can describe physical characteristics like smoothness or emotional states like hiding one's feelings. Phrases like 'on the surface' imply appearances can be deceiving, while 'scratch the surface' suggests there is more to discover. Idioms like 'surface level' denote superficiality, and 'surface tension' describes the force that holds liquids together.