countenance

Meanings

• noun

  The attitude or expression of a person, especially as revealed in the face.

• verb

  To lend countenance to: to give approval or support to.

---

Pronunciation

1. [kʲʰæũ̯.ʔɪ̆.nəns]
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75729706"
2. /ˈkaʊn.tən.əns/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1669288"

---

Synonyms

approve , sanction , support , tolerate

---

Rhymes

Words rhyming with countenance
advance , romance , stance , chance , dance , lance , trance , prance , enchant , enhance

---

Variants

List of all variants of countenance that leads to same result
countenance , countenances , countenanced , countenancer , countenancers , countenancing

---

Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Old French contenance, from contenir 'to contain' + -ance.

---

Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'countenance' comes from the Latin word 'contemplari', which means 'to look at'.

2. The phrase 'to lend countenance to' means to give approval or support to an idea or cause. This phrase was commonly used in the past to describe public figures who endorsed or supported controversial ideas.

3. In medieval Europe, a countenance was a symbolic representation of a person's character or personality. It could be depicted as a mask or a painting and was often used in heraldry to represent a family or noble lineage.

---

Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Mien: A person's overall appearance, including their countenance, clothing, and posture.

2. Facial expression: A nonverbal communication that conveys emotions and feelings through the arrangement of facial muscles and skin.

---

Quotes

Quotes by authors and personalities

1. All, all are kind to me but their tones fall strangely on my ear & their "countenances" meet mine not like home faces …

   - Emily Dickinson,17 Feb. 1848,{"source"=>"in {it}Selected Letters{/it}", "aqdate"=>"(1914) 1986"}

2. … his white "countenance" was rendered eerie by the redness of the sagging lids below his eyes …

   - John Updike,{it}The Afterlife{/it},1994

3. You could see it in his frame and deportment … a beaming "countenance", expansive salutations, a warm handshake …

   - Simon Schama,{it}Granta{/it},Autumn 1990

4. Before receiving him, Henry had so possessed himself that no one could guess from his "countenance" with what sentiments he remembered the young king.

   - Amy Kelly,{it}Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings{/it},1950

---

Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature and art, countenance often refers to the facial expression or demeanor of a character or subject. It can convey emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise.

How to Memorize "countenance"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a face with different expressions to help remember the meaning of countenance as a noun. Visualize the word 'countenance' written out and associate it with the image of a face.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'countenance' with the word 'expression' or 'attitude'. Remember that countenance refers to a person's facial expression or demeanor.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a mnemonic by remembering the phrase 'Countenance is a face, an attitude, a grace.' This phrase can help you remember the definition of countenance as a noun.

---

Memorize "countenance" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize countenance is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

1. Highlighting:

   Whenever users encounters the saved word on a webpage, Dictozo highlights it, drawing the user's attention and reinforcing memorization.
2. Periodic Reminders:

   Dictozo will send you periodic reminders to remind you the saved word, it will ask you quiz. These reminders could be in the form of notifications or emails, prompting users to recall and reinforce their knowledge.