frown

CEFRC1

/ˈfɹaʊ̯n/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To make a face showing worry, anger, or disapproval.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    A downturn of the corners of the mouth, typically expressing sadness.

Examples

  • A frown may express anger or displeasure.

  • The boss seemed to frown on my method.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
1

Also pronounced

  • /ˈfɹæʊ̯n/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. Any facial expression that indicates disapproval or displeasure.

  2. To have a frown on one's face.

noun

Extra meaning

  1. A wrinkling of the forehead with the eyebrows brought together, typically indicating displeasure, severity, or concentration.

More examples

In context

  • Let us frown the impudent fellow into silence.

  • Noisy gossip in the library is frowned upon.

  • She frowned when I told her the news.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

People often blank when they hear an obvious lie during a conversation.

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

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English frown, froun (“a threatening appearance; lowering of the clouds”), from frounen (“to frown”). See below.