visage

[viz-ij]

noun

1. the face, usually with reference to shape, features, expression, etc.; countenance.

2. aspect; appearance.

visage

/ ˈvɪzɪdʒ /

noun

1. face or countenance

2. appearance; aspect

Other Word Forms

• visaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to vis “face” (from Latin vīsus “sight, appearance” ( Vulgar Latin: “face”), noun use of masculine past participle of vidēre “to see”) + -age -age. See wit ² ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

C13: from Old French: aspect, from vis face, from Latin vīsus appearance, from vidēre to see

Synonym Study

See face.

Example Sentences

The boy’s face is at once peaceful and tired, his innocence shining through while the injustices of the world weigh heavy on his visage.

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The services of a life-preserving, ego-boosting retinue of intimidating protectors — picture dark glasses, earpiece, stern visage — were cited by more than one Harris associate, past and present, as a factor in her deliberations.

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But Mitchell, whose bushy beard and joking personality complement a perpetually smiling visage, turned serious when explaining the end of his career.

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It’s also deeply descriptive, with a fitting focus on the self’s visage.

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Judging by social media, my irrepressible loathing of Leavitt's smug visage and pompous voice makes me typical of my demographic: progressive, college-educated women between the ages of 25 and 65.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• countenance