ENGLISH
REFERENCE

countenance

n.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkaʊntənəns// UK //kˈaʊntənəns// coun·te·nance Archaic

n. the face or the expression on someone's face. It is an old-fashioned word that you might see in books or formal speeches.

n. the face or the facial expression of a person. Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe a person's appearance or emotional state.


SIMPLE

He had a stern countenance that made everyone feel nervous.

CONTEXTUAL

The judge's countenance remained neutral throughout the entire trial, showing no sign of favor or anger.

COMPLEX

The portrait captures the subject's countenance with such precision that even the subtle tension in his jawline is visible to the viewer.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

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