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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.
Synonyms
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.
deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training.
demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior.
mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor.
manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others.
carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking.
Examples of demeanor in a Sentence
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
15th century, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Demeanor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demeanor. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
demeanor
nounLegal Definition
demeanor
nounNote: A jury may consider a witness's demeanor on the stand in determining the witness's credibility.
More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor
Nglish: Translation of demeanor for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of demeanor for Arabic Speakers
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