We need to face the fact that the trade deal has had little effect on the economy.
Which of the following defines "face" as it is used in the sentence above?

Question

We need to face the fact that the trade deal has had little effect on the economy. 
Which of the following defines "face" as it is used in the sentence above?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The context of the sentence suggests that we have to accept that this new trade deal will have little effect on the economy, even though that might be something others don't wish to hear. Therefore, we can conclude that face here means "to accept something difficult."
To be pointing or turned towards is incorrect. One of the meanings of face is "to be pointing or turned towards." (e.g. The front door of my house faces west.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can conclude that the word is not used that way here.
To make easier from something to happen is incorrect. When placed in the context of the target sentence, this answer choice does not make sense. Therefore, it cannot be a correct answer choice.
To have to compete against is incorrect. One of the meanings of face is "to have to compete against." (e.g. Smith faces Johnson in today's tennis match finals.) However, from the context of the target sentence, we can conclude that the word is not used that way here.

We Need to Face the Fact That the Trade Deal Has