countenance
Use Countenance in a sentence
tn noun
1.
appearance, especially the look or expression of the face: a sad countenance.
2.
the face; visage.
3.
calm facial expression; composure.
4.
approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.
5.
Obsolete. bearing; behavior.
verb (used with object)
6.
to permit or tolerate: You should not have countenanced his rudeness.
7.
to approve, support, or encourage.
00:10
Countenance
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is forestall. Does it mean:
| a stone, ring, or other object supposed to possess occult powers to be worn as an amulet or charm |
| to prevent by action in advance, anticipate, or to buy up goods in advance in order to increase the price when resold |
8.
out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.
Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance < Latin continentia; see continence
1250–1300; Middle English cuntenaunce behavior, bearing, self-control < Anglo-French cuntena(u)nce, Old French contenance < Latin continentia; see continence
Related forms
coun·te·nanc·er, noun
un·coun·te·nanced, adjective
un·der·coun·te·nance, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To countenance
Collins
World English Dictionary
countenance (ˈkaʊntɪnəns) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | the face, esp when considered as expressing a person's character or mood: a pleasant countenance |
| 2. | support or encouragement; sanction |
| 3. | composure; self-control (esp in the phrases keeporlose one's countenance; out of countenance) |
| —vb | |
| 4. | to support or encourage; sanction |
| 5. | to tolerate; endure |
| [C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see | |
| 'countenancer | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
countenance
mid-13c., from O.Fr. countenance "demeanor, bearing, conduct," from L. continentia "restraint," lit. "way one contains oneself," from continere (see contain). Meaning evolving M.E. from "appearance" to "facial expression betraying a state of mind," to "face" itself (late
14c.). The verb "to favor, patronize" is from 1560s, from notion of "to look upon with sanction or smiles."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Under this unrighteous and oppressive treatment, universal sadness is written on every countenance.
We would never countenance such work in humans, they say.
It retires into an ultimate retrenchment: the human countenance.
His countenance was pleasant, and seemed but little altered.
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