demeanor

noun

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de·mean·or | \ di-ˈmē-nər

Definition of demeanor

: behavior toward others : outward manner

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about demeanor

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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

Did You Know?

There's a long trail from Latin minari (which means "to threaten" and has been connected to the threatening cries of cattle drivers) to English demeanor. Along the way, we first encounter Latin minare; it means "to drive" and was once used specifically of driving animals for herding. From there, the path leads us to Anglo-French, where we pass by mener (to lead) and then demener (to conduct). Next comes Middle English demenen and then Modern English demean, both meaning "to conduct (oneself) in a certain manner." And, finally, we take one last step, and add the suffix -or to demean to get demeanor.

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 the director of the opera company has a haughty demeanor that can be irritating

Recent Examples on the Web Harrison dominates this interview, and his snarkiness is evident on the page but more so in the video where his demeanor and voice are cold and calculating — the leader of the pack. — Washington Post, "Getting to know George Harrison through his own words," 6 Aug. 2020 Brimley, a veteran character actor known for his gruff demeanor, died Saturday at the age of 85. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Robert Redford and others reminisce about Wilford Brimley, gruff actor and lifelong Utahn," 6 Aug. 2020 All-Big Ten selection in 2018 and is known for his fiery pregame demeanor. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, "Who are Ohio State football’s 2020 captains?," 4 Aug. 2020 The complaints contrast sharply with the show’s upbeat tenor and DeGeneres’ own public demeanor and exhortations for people to be kind and caring. — Fortune, "Ellen DeGeneres apologizes to talk show staff amid complaints of a difficult workplace," 31 July 2020 The complaints contrast sharply with the show's upbeat tenor and DeGeneres' own public demeanor and exhortations for people to be kind and caring. — Lynn Elber, Star Tribune, "DeGeneres apologizes to show's staff amid workplace inquiry," 30 July 2020 To know Shelby is to know that his demeanor was very calm, cool, collected and calculated... — Billy Kobin, The Courier-Journal, "Family of man whom LMPD officers shot at a Kroger in 2019 still seek records on his death," 12 July 2020 Deloney was tough despite his quiet demeanor and slight size. — Amari Deloney, al, "Alabama teen killed in July 4th shooting had survived 2 kidney transplants," 7 July 2020 Its demeanor at 146 mph is as imperturbable as any Mercedes. — Barry Winfield, Car and Driver, "Tested: 1994 Bentley Turbo R Brings the Old World into the New," 7 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demeanor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.