countenance
[ koun-tn-uhns ]
/ ˈkaʊn tn əns /
noun
verb (used with object), coun·te·nanced, coun·te·nanc·ing.
to permit or tolerate: You should not have countenanced his rudeness.
to approve, support, or encourage.
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Nearby words
Idioms
out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.
Origin of countenance
1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance < Latin continentia; see continence
Related forms
coun·te·nanc·er, nounun·coun·te·nanced, adjectiveun·der·coun·te·nance, nounSynonym study
2. See face.
Word story
The English noun countenance comes from Middle English from Old French contenance, countenance “behavior, bearing.” Its original meaning in the 13th century came directly from the Old French. Later, in the 14th century, this developed into the current sense “the look or expression on a person’s face.”
The Old French noun ultimately comes from the Latin noun continentia “self-control, restraint,” a derivation of the verb continēre “to hold together, keep together, keep under control.”
The Old French noun ultimately comes from the Latin noun continentia “self-control, restraint,” a derivation of the verb continēre “to hold together, keep together, keep under control.”
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for countenance
British Dictionary definitions for countenance
countenance
/ (ˈkaʊntɪnəns) /
noun
the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mooda pleasant countenance
support or encouragement; sanction
composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keep or lose one's countenance; out of countenance)
verb (tr)
to support or encourage; sanction
to tolerate; endure
Derived Forms
countenancer, nounWord Origin for countenance
C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see contain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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