countenance

[ koun-tn-uhns ]

noun

1. appearance, especially the look or expression of the face:

   a sad countenance.

2. the face; visage.
3. calm facial expression; composure.
4. approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.
5. Obsolete. bearing; behavior.

verb (used with object)

, coun·te·nanced, coun·te·nanc·ing.

1. to permit or tolerate:

   You should not have countenanced his rudeness.

2. to approve, support, or encourage.

countenance

/ ˈkaʊntɪnəns /

noun

1. the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mood

   a pleasant countenance

2. support or encouragement; sanction
3. composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's countenance; out of countenance )

verb

1. to support or encourage; sanction
2. to tolerate; endure

Derived Forms

• ˈcountenancer, noun

Other Words From

• counte·nancer noun
• un·counte·nanced adjective
• under·counte·nance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of countenance¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce “behavior, bearing, self-control,” from Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance, from Medieval Latin “way of living, demeanor,” from Latin continentia “self-control, restraint”; continence

Word History and Origins

Origin of countenance¹

C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see contain

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed:

   He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.

Synonym Study

See face.

Example Sentences

It was a religion that steadfastly refused to admit or countenance homosexuals, so when young Evans came out to friends and later to his parents, it seemed obvious that he would have to move out and make his own way at 17.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the advanced age of the candidate, the Trump campaign was characterized by petulance and immaturity, adopting the countenance of a spoiled rich kid sneering at his mom for telling him to do his homework.

From Salon

Morsi was an awful, incompetent leader, but the country’s authoritarian elites simply could not countenance the messy consequences of participatory democracy.

From Slate

The state Supreme Court on Saturday, however, refused to take up the case, holding that the timing of the petition came too close to the election: “This Court will neither impose nor countenance substantial alterations to existing laws and procedures during the pendency of an ongoing election.”

From Slate

It’s an appropriate last play for Flynn to direct in his role as the leader of a theater committed to showing us our collective countenance, warts and all.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appearance
• demeanor
• mien
• visage