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

• actions
• address
• bearing
• behavior
• comportment
• conduct
• deportment
• geste [archaic]
• gest

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

That attitude is reflected in the ever-present club symbol—an Abaco parrot, a bird known for its free-spirited demeanor. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024

In addition, a new, young ape who accompanies Kong is also introduced in the film, and kids will no doubt relate to the character because of his youthful demeanor. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

demean entry 2 + -or entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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.