Word
mein
/ˈmin/
Definition
n. the way a person looks or behaves, especially their facial expression or how they carry themselves. It often shows what kind of mood or character they have.
n. a person's appearance, manner, or facial expression, especially as indicative of their character or mood. Typically used in literary or formal contexts to describe an outward manifestation of an internal state.
Examples
“He had a quiet, serious mein during the meeting.”
“Despite the chaotic surroundings, the captain maintained a calm and professional mein that reassured the entire crew.”
“The diplomat's stoic mein betrayed nothing of his internal anxiety as he navigated the delicate negotiations between the two rival factions.”
Examples
simple
“He had a quiet, serious mein during the meeting.”
contextual
“Despite the chaotic surroundings, the captain maintained a calm and professional mein that reassured the entire crew.”
complex
“The diplomat's stoic mein betrayed nothing of his internal anxiety as he navigated the delicate negotiations between the two rival factions.”
Usage
Usually singular; often modified by an adjective to describe a specific temperament.
Pitfall
He ate a bowl of chicken mein.
He ate a bowl of chicken chow mein.
Learners may confuse the literary word 'mein' (appearance) with the Chinese-derived culinary suffix '-mein' (noodles).