countenance

American  

[koun-tn-uhns] / ˈkaʊn tn əns /

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.

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verb (used with object)

countenanced, countenancing

1. to permit or tolerate.

   You should not have countenanced his rudeness.

2. to approve, support, or encourage.

idioms

1. out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed.

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

countenance British  

/ 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 )

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verb

1. to support or encourage; sanction

2. to tolerate; endure

Related Words

See face.

Other Word Forms

• countenancer noun
• uncountenanced adjective
• undercountenance noun

Etymology

Origin of countenance

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

Explanation

The noun countenance means the face or its expression. If you're a great poker player, you probably have a calm countenance. Countenance comes from a French word for "behavior," but it has become a fancy term for either the expression of a face or the face itself: "He had a puzzled countenance," or "what a charming countenance!" Countenance can also be a verb meaning to tolerate or approve. If someone does something offensive, tell them, "I'm afraid I can't countenance that."

Example Sentences

But despite soundtracking 128 episodes worth of hormonal melodrama, Cole’s song most immediately evokes one image: the devilishly handsome, All-American countenance of the show’s star, James Van Der Beek.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

There was no way Ratcliffe would countenance extending that at a time when he is determined to cut costs and bring the wage bill down.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

For “what else has a council ever been,” the pope asked, “but a renewal of this meeting with the countenance of the risen Christ?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

“In the ‘90s, there was a lot of foot traffic everywhere that picked up El Clasificado,” said Badame, who’s more subdued than his wife but just as positive in countenance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2025

In response, I merely passed to her my record book, which with quizzical countenance, she turned through.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• appearance
• demeanor
• mien
• visage