demeanor
Americannoun
-
conduct; behavior; deportment.
-
facial appearance; mien.
Etymology
Origin of demeanor
First recorded in 1425–75, demeanor is from the late Middle English word demenure. See demean 2, -or 1
Explanation
Your demeanor is defined as being either your facial appearance or your behavior. When playing poker, don't let your demeanor give away how good your cards are. Demeanor in English today has evolved from Middle English and Old French to refer to the way one manages or presents oneself, and this definition applies to conduct as well as facial expressions. The way you present yourself often affects how others make judgments about you and therefore, you might want your demeanor to reflect the situation you're in. So, if you're at a birthday party, your demeanor should be happy and smiling!
Vocabulary lists containing demeanor
Grade 9, List 1
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1984
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The Hunger Games
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Duffy soon resumed, but brittle feedback hit the room seconds later and his demeanor shifted, presumably all-too-aware that the symbolism of an on-camera tech meltdown after such a major flight disruption was not going unnoticed.
From Barron's ● Nov. 14, 2026
The urge to project a placid, controlled demeanor to friends and lovers is often amplified by the desire to reassure employers of one’s emotional competence.
From Slate ● Nov. 11, 2026
Percy “PC3” Crews has been playing drums since he was 3, and his vicious skills on the drum kit contrast with a cheery, relaxed demeanor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
The effect is something like uncanny sketch comedy, dredging laughs from Hansen’s stilted expressions and intense demeanor, regardless of a scene’s emotional gravity.
From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2026
I'd met prosecutors who dressed and presented like they would rather be out hunting ducks than running a law office, but Chapman was professional and courteous and approached me with a pleasant demeanor.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
