demeanor

noun

de·​mean·​or di-ˈmē-nər 

: behavior toward others : outward manner

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• behavior
• actions
• attitude

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

With good baseball instincts, and with enough athletic ability to be a versatile player, Isaac Collins has the ability, the baseball demeanor, and the confidence to continue to contribute to the winning Milwaukee Brewers team culture. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

That might be the best way to describe the contrast between Naperville North senior defensive tackle Gabriel Hill’s dominance on the football field and his low-key demeanor off it. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

Darko Glišić — former minister for public investment and a father of two, per his government bio — was appearing on a morning show for Serbian television channel Pink on Tuesday, Aug. 5, when his demeanor changed mid-interview, according to Serbian outlet Vreme and the Daily Mail. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Caring, smart and fun with a wonderful calming Zen demeanor. —Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

demean entry 2 + -or entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for demeanor

• convener
• convenor
• demeanour
• cleaner
• diener
• gleaner
• greener
• keener
• leaner
• lienor
• meaner
• screener

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Kids Definition

demeanor

noun

de·​mean·​or di-ˈmē-nər 

: outward manner or behavior : conduct, bearing

Legal Definition

demeanor

noun

de·​mea·​nor di-ˈmē-nər 

: outward manner : way of conducting oneself

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