demeanor

especially British, de·mean·our

[dih-mee-ner]

noun

1. conduct; behavior; deportment.

2. facial appearance; mien.

Word History and Origins

Origin of demeanor¹

First recorded in 1425–75, demeanor is from the late Middle English word demenure. See demean ², -or ¹

Example Sentences

With his bald pate, dark-framed glasses and knowing demeanor, he has become one of the foremost chroniclers of the world’s media barons and Manhattan potentates.

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Her calmness and demeanor demonstrated throughout her career was what made her realize she would succeed behind the wheel.

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Acquaintances describe Martin’s demeanor as extraordinarily genial; he smiled constantly and offered his diagnoses in a straightforward, unflappable drawl.

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It turns out there’s quite a bit of sadness behind Luna’s bubbliness and a good deal of steel underneath Jane’s docile demeanor.

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Al-Houthi’s outward demeanor, however, belied a more strategic—and ruthless—streak that led him to link up more closely with backers that could facilitate the group’s rise.

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Related Words

• attitude 
• disposition 
• mien 
• poise 
• presence