Frown Meaning
/ˈfɹaʊ̯n/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA wrinkling of the forehead with the eyebrows brought together, typically indicating displeasure, severity, or concentration.
nounA downturn of the corners of the mouth, typically expressing sadness.
Sentence Examples
A frown may express anger or displeasure.
The boss seemed to frown on my method.
CEFR Practice Quiz
People often ____ when they hear an obvious lie during a conversation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A deep ____ appeared on his face as he struggled to understand the complex instructions for the new machine.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English frown, froun (“a threatening appearance; lowering of the clouds”), from frounen (“to frown”). See below.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Philip had once told him of a man who had a horse-shoe frown, and Tom had tried with all his frowning-might to make a horse-shoe on his forehead"
— 1860, George Eliot, “V: Maggie's Second Visit”, in The Mill on the Floss, Volume I Book II, Edinburgh; London: William Blackwood, page 336‑337:
"He encounters some obstacle in his train of reasoning ... and then a frown passes like a shadow over his brow."
— 1873, Charles Darwin, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, page 223:
"The smile and the frown are both indicated and the operation of a motor driven flasher causes the face to look happy and sad in turn."
— 1911 December 26, “Facial Expression Electric Sign”, in Popular Electricity, volume iv, number 8, Chicago, page 714:
"The sky doth frown and lower upon our army."
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iii]:
"Copling glanced at the heading and signature, then read the contents and frowned annoyance."
— 1923, Ernest Bramah, The Eyes of Max Carrados:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
People often ____ when they hear an obvious lie during a conversation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A deep ____ appeared on his face as he struggled to understand the complex instructions for the new machine.