English Dictionary
Definition of “countenance”
countenance (ˈkaʊntɪnəns
)
Definitions
noun
- the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mood ⇒
a pleasant countenance
- support or encouragement; sanction
- composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keep composure; self-control (esp in the phrases or lose one's countenance; out of countenance)
verb (tr)
- to support or encourage; sanction
- to tolerate; endure
Alternative Forms
ˈcountenancer noun Word Origin
C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see contain
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
composure,
cool,
dignity,
poise,
coolness,
aplomb,
calmness,
equanimity,
self-assurance,
sang-froid,
self-possession,
imperturbability,
collectedness,
=
tolerate,
sanction,
endorse,
condone,
support,
encourage,
approve,
endure,
brook,
stand for,
hack,
put up with,
back,
help,
aid,
champion,
commend,
abet,
Usage examples
The Virgin Mary was long-nosed and dark of countenance , with fine arched eyebrows.
Aldiss, Brian, Somewhere East of Life (1994)It is amenable to local alliances but can't countenance power sharing.
India Today (1999)Few outside the environs of Castle Avenue would countenance anything other than a victory for the four-time champions.
Irish Times (2002)A spokesman said: `We would not countenance any move by Brussels to set tax rates.
Sun, News of the World (1999)With his head enveloped in a turban and his gloomy countenance veiled, he sat almost motionless on the white palfrey of the Pope.
John Freely, JEM SULTAN: The Adventures of a Captive Turkish Prince in Renaissance Europe (2004)
