countenance

¹coun·te·nance

noun
\ˈkau̇n-t^ən-ən(t)s, ˈkau̇nt-nən(t)s\

Definition of COUNTENANCE

1

obsolete : bearing, demeanor

2

a : calm expression b : mental composure c : look, expression

3

archaic a : aspect, semblance b : pretense

4

: face, visage; especially : the face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character

5

: bearing or expression that offers approval or sanction : moral support

Examples of COUNTENANCE

1. The photograph showed his somber countenance.
2. <a pleasant countenance that puts visitors at ease>
3. … his white countenance was rendered eerie by the redness of the sagging lids below his eyes … —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
4. You could see it in his frame and deportment … a beaming countenance, expansive salutations, a warm handshake … —Simon Schama, Granta, Autumn 1990
5. All, all are kind to me but their tones fall strangely on my ear & their countenances meet mine not like home faces … —Emily Dickinson, 17 Feb. 1848, in Selected Letters, (1914) 1986
6. Before receiving him, Henry had so possessed himself that no one could guess from his countenance with what sentiments he remembered the young king. —Amy Kelly, Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings, 1950

Origin of COUNTENANCE

Middle English contenance, from Anglo-French cuntenance, contenance, from Medieval Latin continentia, from Latin, restraint, from continent-, continens, present participle of continēre to hold together — more at contain

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to COUNTENANCE

Synonyms: cast, look, expression, face, visage

Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Related Words: frown, grimace, lower (also lour), mouth, pout, scowl; grin, smile; air, appearance, aspect, bearing, demeanor, manner, mien, presence

Near Antonyms: alarm (also alarum), anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, disquiet, solicitude, uneasiness, worry; excitability, excitableness, nervousness; disturbance

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide