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countenance

Noun

IPA /ˈkaʊntənəns/

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Meaning in plain English

A person's face or the expression shown on it.

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Pronunciation

countenance/ˈkaʊntənəns/

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A face shows pleasure
A face shows concern
The expression is visible on the face

Countenance is a formal or literary word for a person's face or expression.

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A sudden smile transformed his solemn countenance.
The student described the portrait's calm countenance.

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A sudden smile transformed his solemn ________.

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countenance — A person's face or the expression shown on it.

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A person's face or the expression shown on it.

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Word origin

From Old French contenance, meaning bearing or behaviour, ultimately from Latin continere.

Did you know?

Countenance can also be a verb meaning to accept or support something.

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