interface
/ˈɪntəfeɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪntərfeɪs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-tər-ˌfās/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.tə.feɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.t̬ɚ.feɪs/ (ame, ipa)
interface — noun
- interfacesingular
- interfacesplural
1. The physical link or software display through which a person controls a computer
The physical link or software display through which a person controls a computer or electronic tool, enabling data transfer or user interaction.
The USB interface on Ravindra's camera lets him copy photos to his computer quickly.
interface + on + [device]; physical port
Hiro connected the microphone to the audio interface before recording his podcast.
collocation: connect + [device] + to + interface
This drawing app has a clean interface with large buttons and simple menus.
The interface between the two programs stopped working after the system update.
Maja prefers the old keyboard interface because she can type much faster on it.
- connection
broader term; refers to any link, not just electronic
- port
specifically a physical socket; narrower than interface
- link
informal; general connection between two things
用法筆記
Commonly used with prepositions 'between' (the interface between two systems) and 'on' (the interface on a device). In computing, also used as part of compound terms such as 'user interface' (UI) and 'command-line interface' (CLI).
常見錯誤
2. An area where separate fields, ideas, or groups meet and influence each other.
An area where separate fields, ideas, or groups meet and influence each other.
Christopher studied the interface between traditional medicine and modern science during his research.
interface between [field] and [field]; abstract sense
New training programmes are appearing at the interface of business and education.
at the interface of [field] and [field]
Selim works at the interface where the design team meets the software engineers.
Teachers operate at the interface of young minds and new knowledge every school day.
The committee explores the interface between public policy and private business interests.
- boundary
implies a dividing line; less about mutual influence than interface
- intersection
suggests paths crossing; used more for concrete overlaps
- meeting point
more literal; less formal than interface
- separation
a state of being apart rather than connected
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'of [A] and [B]' or 'between [A] and [B]'. The subject is usually abstract (fields, groups, systems) rather than physical objects.
常見錯誤
interface — verb
- interfacepresent simple I / you / we / they
- interfaces3rd person singular
- interfacing-ing form
- interfacedpast simple
1. To make electronic equipment link up so the devices can exchange data with each
To make electronic equipment link up so the devices can exchange data with each other.
Arjun interfaced his laptop with the office printer using a wireless network.
interface + [device] + with + [device]; transitive
The new scanner interfaces easily with both Windows and Mac computers.
interface + with + [device]; intransitive
Hassan showed the class how to interface a camera to the microscope for digital images.
The two systems do not interface properly because they use different data formats.
Eve interfaced the sensor array with the weather station to collect real-time data.
- disconnect
to break the connection between devices
文法句型
interface + [device] + with + [device]
interface + with + [device]
用法筆記
Both transitive ('interface device A with device B') and intransitive ('device A interfaces with device B') patterns are common. The preposition 'with' is standard; 'to' is also possible but less frequent.
常見錯誤
2. To share ideas and exchange information with people in a professional setting.
To share ideas and exchange information with people in a professional setting.
Talia interfaces regularly with the marketing team to plan new product launches.
interface + with + [team/person]; business use
The consultant will interface directly with clients during the first phase of the project.
As the project leader, João must interface with departments across the whole company.
Sirin finds it challenging to interface with colleagues who work in a different time zone.
- liaise
formal British English; maintain contact and exchange information
- communicate
broader; exchange information by any means
- collaborate
work jointly on a shared goal; deeper than interface
文法句型
interface + with + [someone]
用法筆記
Considered formal or corporate jargon. In most everyday situations, 'talk to', 'work with', or 'meet with' sound more natural. Often used in British and international business English.