Nearby Words
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.
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Countenance
is a GRE word you need to know.
So is aseptic. Does it mean:
| anticipate and dispose of or make unnecessary |
| free from the living germs of disease, fermentation, or putrefaction |
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. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To countenance
Collins
World English Dictionary
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
EXPAND14c.). The verb "to favor, patronize" is from 1560s, from notion of "to look upon with sanction or smiles."
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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