demeanor

noun

de·​mean·​or di-ˈmē-nər How to pronounce demeanor (audio)
: behavior toward others : outward manner

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The history of demeanor begins with a threat: the word has its roots in Latin minārī, “to threaten.” A form of that word was used in contexts having to do with driving animals—that is, impelling them to move—and from this word developed more recent ancestors having to do with leading, guiding, and behaving. By the 14th century, English had a adopted a word out of this lineage: the verb demean meaning “to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner.” (Another demean, defined as “to lower in character, status, or reputation,” entered the language later by means of another root.) The noun demeanor was formed in the following century through the addition of the suffix -or.

Choose the Right Synonym for demeanor

bearing, deportment, demeanor, mien, manner, carriage mean the outward manifestation of personality or attitude.

bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture.

a woman of regal bearing

deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.

your deportment was atrocious

demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.

the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter

mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.

a mien of supreme self-satisfaction

manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.

the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders

carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.

the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

Examples of demeanor in a Sentence

Staffs like the one at Veritas have come a long way from the days when sommeliers … intimidated diners with their overbearing demeanor and French accents. Food & Wine, September 2002
Sam himself, a quiet young man with a rather shy demeanor, was somewhat bemused by all this attention. Lola Oberman, Bird Watcher's Digest, November/December 1994
her warm demeanor made us feel at home
Recent Examples on the Web Her no-nonsense demeanor and unshakable spirit left a lasting impression on me, instilling in me a desire to emulate her resilience. Larada Lee, Essence, 9 Mar. 2024 In the fundraiser, the students detailed why James deserved the funds, highlighting his hardworking attitude and kind demeanor. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Leave a comment View Comments With a warm demeanor and talent behind the lens, Lauren is a natural celebrity photographer, but her career began as a hobby. Marie Lodi, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Prieto’s calm demeanor and his commitment to getting the work done, no matter the elemental hurdles, left Scorsese speechless. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024 Some actors come to embody a national cinema through an alchemical combination of demeanor and film choices. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Her infectious giggles could brighten even the most despondent demeanor. Cheryl Maguire, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 All of this helped lend her the wise and mature demeanor to so convincingly play mother to Tris and Caleb in Divergent. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2024 The extreme fluctuations in performance, coupled with his relatively low-key demeanor, have made even some of his teammates question his commitment. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demeanor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demeanor was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demeanor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

demeanor

noun
de·​mean·​or di-ˈmē-nər How to pronounce demeanor (audio)
: outward manner or behavior : conduct, bearing

Legal Definition

demeanor

noun
de·​mea·​nor di-ˈmē-nər How to pronounce demeanor (audio)
: outward manner : way of conducting oneself

Note: A jury may consider a witness's demeanor on the stand in determining the witness's credibility.

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

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