Forehead Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈfɔrhɛd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Forehead refers to the upper part of the face, extending from the eyebrows to the hairline, forming the front surface of the cranium.

Examples

1. “She furrowed her forehead in concentration.”

2. “The cool breeze caressed his forehead as he stood by the window.”

Synonyms

1. Brow

2. Forepart

Antonyms

1. Chin

2. Back of the head

Additional Information

The forehead is a distinctive feature of the human face, and its shape, size, and proportions can vary greatly among individuals. In some cultures, the forehead is seen as a sacred or sensitive area, and touching or pointing to it is considered impolite. In medical contexts, the forehead can be a site for various conditions, such as headaches, wrinkles, and forehead hernias. In anatomical studies, the forehead is divided into several regions, including the frontal bone, the frontal sinuses, and the corrugator muscles.

The forehead also plays a significant role in nonverbal communication, as facial expressions and eye contact can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions. In various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and literature, the forehead has been depicted and described in many ways, often symbolizing intelligence, wisdom, or creativity.

Furthermore, the forehead has been a site for various cultural and historical practices, such as ritual marking, tattooing, and piercing. In some spiritual traditions, the forehead is seen as a third eye or a center of intuition, and it is often used in meditation and mindfulness practices.

Eymology

The word “forehead” comes from the Old English words “fore” (meaning “before” or “in front of”) and “heafod” (meaning “head”). The term has been used in English since the 9th century to describe the upper part of the face.

Usage Notes

The word “forehead” can be used in various contexts, including medical, anatomical, cultural, and literary. When referring to the forehead in a medical or anatomical context, it is essential to use precise language and terminology to avoid confusion. In cultural or literary contexts, the forehead can be used as a metaphor or symbol to convey various meanings and themes.

Cultural References

The forehead has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, art, music, and film. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the character of Hamlet is often depicted with a furrowed forehead, symbolizing his introspection and contemplation. In Indian culture, the forehead is often adorned with a bindi or a tilak, which is a symbol of spiritual or cultural identity.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Several idiomatic expressions and phrases use the word “forehead,” including “to slap one’s forehead” (meaning to express surprise or frustration), “to wrinkle one’s forehead” (meaning to show concern or worry), and “to have a forehead like a map” (meaning to have a prominent or distinctive forehead).

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases related to “forehead” include “brow,” “face,” “head,” “skull,” and “cranium.” Other related terms include “forepart,” “front,” and “anterior.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the word “forehead” include “furrowed forehead,” “wrinkled forehead,” “prominent forehead,” and “high forehead.”

Frequency of Use

The word “forehead” is a moderately common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.5% in written texts and 0.2% in spoken language.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word “forehead” include “forehed,” “fore head,” and “forhead.”