Countenance Meaning
/ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAppearance, especially the features and expression of the face.
nounFavour; support; encouragement.
Sentence Examples
We will never countenance terrorism.
The old man had a noble countenance.
He changed his countenance when he saw me.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite the shocking news, her calm ____ betrayed no emotion.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We will never ____ terrorism.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English contenaunce, countenaunce, from Anglo-Norman countenance and Old French contenance, from the present participle of contenir, or from Late Latin continentia, and therefore a doublet of continence.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"How Cownterfet Cowntenaunce of the new get / With Crafty Conueyauance dothe smater and flater, / And Cloked Collucyoun is brought in to clater / With Courtely Abusyoun; […]"
— 1523, John Skelton, “A Ryght Delectable Tratyse vpon a Goodly Garlande or Chapelet of Laurell, […]”, in Alexander Dyce, editor, The Poetical Works of John Skelton: […], volume I, London: Thomas Rodd, […], published 1843, →OCLC, page 409, lines 1193–1196:
"But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Genesis 4:5:
"It was as if the countenance were for a brief while allowed to wear the likeness of the peaceful and spiritual world whither the soul had departed."
— 1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XXXI, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 319:
"But Richmond, his grandfather's darling, after one thoughtful glance cast under his lashes at that uncompromising countenance appeared to lose himself in his own reflections."
— 1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax, London; Melbourne, Vic.: William Heinemann, →OCLC:
"With such powerful selling-points, why is it, as recent editorial comment and correspondence in this journal has revealed, that "Condor" has yet to bring a warm glow to the countenance of the L.M.R.'s accountants?"
— 1960 January, G. Freeman Allen, “‘Condor’—British Railways’ Fastest Freight Train”, in Trains Illustrated, page 46:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite the shocking news, her calm ____ betrayed no emotion.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We will never ____ terrorism.