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Home > News & Articles > Meaning of Countenance: Meanings, Contexts, Definition, Etymology, Pronunciation, Examples, Synonyms, Antonyms, History and Interesting Facts about the Word.
Suman Saurav
Updated on 20th June, 2024 , 5 min read
Meaning of Countenance: Meanings, Contexts, Definition, Etymology, Pronunciation, Examples, Synonyms, Antonyms, History and Interesting Facts about the Word.
Meaning of Countenance is "the Way A Person expresses His Face".
First Meaning of Countenance is Look or Expression. Countenance definition is person's facial expression that conveys their mood, feelings, or character. The word countenance is a noun and is a formal word.
Pronunciation:
UK: /ˈkaʊn.tən.əns/ US: /ˈkaʊn.t̬ən.əns/
Here are two sentences using the word "countenance":
- In spite of the distressing news, his countenance remained collected and unruffled.
- In spite of his jovial countenance, he was very disturbed by the news he had just got.
Countenance Synonyms: Expression, Look, Smile, Face, Visage, Appearance
If someone asks you to define countenance, you can define the meaning of countenance and elaborate on it.
Countenance meaning in hindi is मुखाकृति.
Countenance meaning in law is approval, to extend approval or toleration to or sanction.
Read more: Ubuntu Meaning.
Meaning of Countenance is “Backing, Support or Approval”
Second Meaning of Countenance is Backing, Support or Approval. When used in the context of support, countenance definition means to accept, endorse, or give approval to something.
Here are two sentences using "countenance" in this sense:
- The committee could not countenance the budget cuts put forward, explaining ramifications on the impact on employee confidence.
- In spite of the dissension, he did not countenance any form of segregation in the workplace.
Synonyms: Accept, Tolerate, Favor, Support, Approve (of), Like, Subscribe (to), Go for, Care (for), Okay, Applaud, Hold with
Countenance Antonyms: Perturbation, agitation, concern, care, anxiety or “decline”.
Countenance can be your word of the day. It is a good word of the day for students. It's a good vocabulary word for you to learn and sound smart.
Note: Countenance divine, or divine countenance, a reference to the literal or metaphorical "face of God"
How to pronounce countenance: The pronunciation sounds like kawn· tuhn·uhns.
Meaning of Countenance: Etymology and Meaning
The word "countenance" is bestowed with illustrious etymological history. It goes back through multiple languages and time periods. Here’s a comprehensive elaboration of its provenance:
Middle English: The word "countenance" was used in Middle English as "countenaunce" or "contenaunce," that referred to person's expression of face or demeanor.
Old French: The word comes from Old French "contenance," . In old French , It meant “meanings related to behavior, demeanor, or bearing”.
Medieval Latin: The Old French term derives from Medieval Latin "continentia,". It initially referred to restriction or self-control. This term itself is derived from the Latin root "continentia," meaning moderation or temperance.
Latin: The root of "continentia" is the Latin verb "continere," which means "to hold together" or "to contain." This verb is a combination of "con-" (a prefix meaning "together") and "tenere" (meaning "to hold").
In essence, the word "countenance" comes from the Latin terms. It expressed notions of keeping together or containing, through Medieval Latin and Old French where it took on meanings related to behavior and facial expression, before arriving in Middle English with the sense of facial expression and demeanor that we recognize today.
Meaning of Countenance: History of The word
The word "countenance" has an illustrious history, tracing back through several languages and centuries. Here’s an overview of its etymology and historical development:
Middle English (14th Century): The word "countenance" first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century. At this time, it was used to refer to the appearance, especially the facial expression of a person. It was derived from the Old French word "contenance," which meant demeanor or behavior.
Old French (13th Century): The Old French term "contenance" itself came into use in the 13th century. It was a derivative of the verb "contenir," meaning to contain or to hold together, which in turn was derived from the Latin "continere." In Old French, "contenance" also referred to one's demeanor, conduct, or bearing.
Latin Roots: The Latin verb "continere" is composed of "con-" (a form of "com-," meaning together) and "tenere" (meaning to hold). So, "continere" literally meant to hold together. The noun form "continentia" referred to a holding together, restraint, or moderation, which influenced the semantic development of "countenance."
Evolution of Meaning: Over time, the meaning of "countenance" evolved and broadened. While its primary sense in Middle English was the facial expression, it also came to encompass a person's overall demeanor or behavior. Additionally, it took on a more abstract sense of moral support or approval, as in "to give countenance to" something.
Modern Usage: In modern English, "countenance" retains several of these meanings. It can refer to:
- The appearance conveyed by a person's face.
- A person's facial expression, indicating mood or emotion.
- Support or approval, as in "to countenance an action."
- The history of the word "countenance" reflects the interplay between physical appearance and inner disposition, illustrating how language evolves to capture both concrete and abstract aspects of human experience.
Meaning of Countenance: Interesting Facts about the Word
The word "countenance" is rich in history and usage. It evolved through various meanings and complexities. Here are some interesting facts about this interesting word:
Etymology:
"Countenance" originates from the Old French word "contenance," which means "demeanor, bearing, behavior." This, in turn, comes from the Latin "continentia," meaning "restraint" or "self-control."
Original Meaning:
The original meaning of "countenance" was more concentrated on demeanor or behavior, rather than facial expression. As time evolved, it has come to be more closely related with the face and its expressions.
Literary Usage:
In literature, "countenance" is now and then used to elaborate not just a person’s facial expression. It also meant overall presence or aura. For example, in Shakespeare’s works, the word appears multiple times, often expressing a character's mood or intention.
Psychological Aspect:
The word suggests a profound understanding of a person’s mood or thoughts through their facial expressions. It's not just about the physical demeanor but also the emotional state.
Modern Usage:
In modern English, "countenance" can still refer to a person's face, but it also has a more abstract meaning: to approve or support. For example, one might say, "I cannot countenance such behavior," meaning they cannot accept it.
Expressions and Phrases:
The phrase "keep a stiff upper lip" is kind of related to the idea of staying calm and composed, especially when things get tough.
Cultural Significance:
In many cultures, it's important to maintain a certain appearance, especially in public, to keep social harmony and show respect. This often means hiding true emotions and putting on a facade that's socially acceptable.
Synonyms and Related Words:
Words like "demeanor," "visage," "expression," and "composure" are often used interchangeably or together with "countenance."
Usage in Psychology:
From a psychological perspective, examining someone's countenance can give us hints about their emotional condition and mental condition. Facial expressions have a consequential role in non-verbal communication.
Art and Portraiture:
In art, the face has always been key. Portrait painters aim to show not just the physical but the inner life of their subject through the face.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the word countenance?
The meaning of the word countenance is to support or approval. Secondly, countenance also means one's facial expression.
What are two synonyms for countenance?
Two synonyms for countenance are: Expression, Grin.
How do you describe someone's countenance?
Someone's countenance can be described by the expression of someone's face, grin, composure or moral support.
What is the old meaning of countenance?
"To behave or act (as if)" is the old meaning of countenance.
Does countenance mean appearance?
Yes, countenance also means someone's appearance.
What is the opposite word of countenance?
The most suitable antonym of the given word 'Countenance' is 'Decline'.
What is the difference between face and countenance?
Face is an ordinary word but countenance means face in relation to its experience.
What is the countenance of God?
The divine countenance is God's face. The notion holds significant relevance in the Abrahamic religions. Michelangelo's "Creation of the Sun and Moon" depicts God's face in detail.
What does fair countenance mean?
Fair countenance means "having a light complexion".
What is a jovial countenance?
Jovian countenance means happy or energetic facial expression or a spirit of good-fellowship.
What does glum countenance mean?
Glum countenance means sad expression. It is even more than that. It means morose and dreary.
What is the importance of countenance?
It's an old word that has long since disappeared from use, yet its meaning is quite significant. Countenance relates to a person's appearance and expression. The person's face expresses their mood and emotion, reflecting their inner disposition. Our faces tell a narrative.
What is a careworn countenance?
It means a facial expression of worry, doubt and anxiety.
What is the difference between countenance and visage?
Countenance is sometimes used to refer to the face as an indicator of attitude or emotion, as Bram Stoker writes in Dracula: "Mina struggled hard to keep her brave countenance." Visage can apply to the face of a person or animal, as well as the look of nonliving things, as in "the dirty visage of the old."
What is the prayer for countenance?
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace”
What is the spiritual countenance?
In the spiritual realm, your countenance reflects your attitude toward God, prayers, worship, and everything else. Sometimes we pray about specific problems, and even after we pray, we still have the same heavy faces. Your appearance reflects either your confidence in God or your lack of faith/doubt.
What is a good sentence for countenance?
A good sentence for countenance is: "Snapshot depicted his sorrowful . The Lord shines the light of his countenance upon you".