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.
In his initial livestream denying the allegations, he not only exhibited an odd demeanor, but he also falsely insisted that every accusation could be “traced back to a single source, my former wife.”
From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2026
Asked how he could make the identification with much of the man’s face covered, Cooper said he had met YG “a lot” and recognized his eyes, body type, height, walk and demeanor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026
And a cheap shot attacking his “aw shucks” demeanor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026
Greenspan was hailed by some as the greatest central banker the world has ever known, winning praise for his steady hand and cool demeanor.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
Mother’s shyness and ladylike demeanor had a quieting effect on him, and he was displaying his most genteel behavior.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
Definitions 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.
