countenance

CEFRC1

/ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A person's face or facial expression.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    Favour; support; encouragement.

Examples

  • He changed his countenance when he saw me.

  • The old man had a noble countenance.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • [kæũ̯n.tɪ̆.nəns]
  • /ˈkaʊnt.nəns/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. Superficial appearance; show; pretense.

  2. Appearance, especially the features and expression of the face.

  3. Calm facial expression, composure, self-control.

More examples

In context

  • We will never countenance terrorism.

  • I won't countenance other than compunctious semblances for such a grievous blunder.

  • The cruel punishment was countenanced by the government, although it was not officially legal.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Despite the shocking news, her calm blank betrayed no emotion.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

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.