interface

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'interface' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb to describe any kind of communication or connection between two things, or between different people or groups. Example sentence: "The website has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Python is an extremely powerful and flexible language that will let you build lots of software and you can even use it to interface with hardware on the Pi.

The Guardian - Tech

One church in particular, Macrory Memorial, has lain derelict for nearly 40 years on the New Lodge/Tiger's Bay interface of north Belfast since subscribers to the church's weekly offerings dwindled to zero in 1973.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the Messenger app has launched for iPad too: a clean, stripped-down interface for text-chatting and making voice calls.

The Guardian - Tech

Clicking the start button brings up a menu, which – although isn't exactly the same as Windows 7 or those before it – is more familiar than the full-screen tiled interface of Windows 8.

The Guardian - Tech

For machines like the Surface Pro (which has a detachable keyboard), when the keyboard is attached it behaves like a desktop machine; without it, Windows switches to a more touch-friendly interface with an on-screen back button and other touch elements to make things a bit easier with fingers on a screen.

The Guardian - Tech

One of the smartest things Microsoft has added is Continuum, which detects the state of the computer and presents the right interface depending on whether a keyboard and mouse is being used or the screen is being touched.

The Guardian - Tech

The internal review recommended the agencies "seek to deliver a more integrated and seamless interface" between maritime security operations and search and rescue, as well as improving communication between organisations.

The Guardian

The iPhone can be controlled via voice, or through the car's native touchscreen interface mounted in the dashboard or with traditional buttons including those mounted on the steering wheel.

The Guardian - Tech

The task facing Hart and the five main parties at Stormont has been underlined by the eruption of sectarian violence on a Protestant-Catholic interface in east Belfast over the past 72 hours.

The Guardian

Windows 10 is meant to unify desktop PCs, Windows tablets and Windows Phone smartphones with one interface, one way of operating and one account.

The Guardian - Tech

It would oversee the sensitive interface between NHS commissioning agencies and local social services.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, use "interface" to refer to the specific point of interaction between hardware or software components.

Common error

Avoid using "interface" interchangeably with "integration" or "connection" without considering the specific context. "Interface" implies a point of interaction, not just a general link.

Linguistic Context

The word "interface" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a point of interaction or connection between different entities, systems, or substances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it can also function as a verb, meaning to connect or interact through an "interface".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "interface" is a versatile word with multiple meanings, predominantly functioning as a noun to describe a point of interaction or connection, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its usage spans diverse fields, from technology to politics, each context influencing its formality. It's frequently seen in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts, indicating broad applicability. Key to using "interface" effectively is understanding the specific context to ensure clarity, avoiding interchangeable use with similar terms like "integration" or "connection". Whether referring to a user "interface" or a political meeting point, "interface" denotes the zone of interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of contact

Focuses on the interaction aspect, suitable for contexts where direct communication is highlighted.

surface of interaction

Highlights the interactive layer between different elements or systems.

connecting link

Emphasizes the role of joining or linking different elements or systems.

the juncture

Implies a critical point of connection or intersection between entities.

communication channel

Highlights how data or information is passed through the connection.

user experience (UX)

Specifically relates to the user's overall interaction and satisfaction with a system or product.

the nexus

Describes the core point where different elements meet and influence each other.

interactive system

Emphasizes the system aspect of interacting, especially in technology.

application programming interface (API)

A more technical term, focusing on the software aspect of interconnection.

median strip

Focuses on the interaction aspect, suitable for contexts where direct communication is highlighted.

FAQs

How is "interface" used in programming?

In programming, an "interface" defines a contract for classes, specifying methods that implementing classes must provide. It ensures a consistent structure for interacting with different objects.

What is a user "interface"?

A user "interface" (UI) is the point of interaction between a user and a computer system, device, or application. It allows users to control and interact with the system.

What can I say instead of "interface" in a business context?

In a business context, you can use alternatives like "point of contact", "liaison", or "communication channel" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "interface" and "API"?

While both facilitate interaction, an "API" (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and specifications that software programs can follow to communicate with each other. An "interface" can refer to any point of interaction, including UIs and hardware connections.