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countenance — a person's face or facial expression

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a person's face or facial expression

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkaʊntənəns/

Example Sentences

  • The teacher's fierce countenance made even the troublemakers sit quietly.
  • I cannot countenance eating pizza with a fork and knife!
  • Her countenance fell when she realized she had forgotten her wallet.

countenance

NOUN

[/ˈkaʊntənəns/]

a person's face or facial expression

Her stern countenance silenced the entire courtroom in seconds.
💡 Concept

Her stern countenance silenced the entire courtroom in seconds.

His countenance shows penance while others find peace in maintenance!
🎵 Rhyme

His countenance shows penance while others find peace in maintenance!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkaʊntənəns/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkaʊntənəns/

🌳Etymology

Rootcontin
Suffix--ance

Origin

From Old French 'contenance' meaning behavior or demeanor, which came from Latin 'continentia' meaning self-restraint or conduct. The meaning gradually shifted from 'manner of behaving' to 'facial expression' over time.

Breakdown

From Latin 'continere' (to hold together, restrain) + '-entia' (noun suffix indicating a state or quality)

🎵Rhyme

maintenance
enance
penance

🔗Collocations

cheerful countenance
stern countenance
countenance violence
maintain one's countenance
pleasant countenance
cannot countenance

📝Examples

“The teacher's fierce countenance made even the troublemakers sit quietly.”

😄 Fun example

“I cannot countenance eating pizza with a fork and knife!”

“Her countenance fell when she realized she had forgotten her wallet.”

“The king's noble countenance inspired confidence in his subjects.”

📚Related Words

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