Words / B1

SURF-is/ˈsɜːfɪs/

The surface is the outside or top: a smooth / rough surface; the surface of the table / the lake. Top is more everyday; layer can be one of several levels. On the surface means looking at first impressions, not the truth underneath. Surface as a verb can mean appear (problems surface). Superficial is the related adjective for “only on the surface.”

Meaning

The outside or top of something.

Examples

• “The surface of the table is smooth.”
• “Water collected on the surface of the road.”
• “On the surface the plan looks simple.”

Good to know

a smooth / rough surface. on the surface = at first glance. Verb: problems surface. Everyday: top.

Near in meaning

top

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