Countenance

/ˈkaʊntənəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person's face or facial expression.

Her countenance was one of profound sadness during the ceremony.

Support or approval.

The project received the countenance of the board, allowing it to proceed.

verb

To accept or tolerate something.

He could not countenance such disrespectful behavior in his class.

To give support or approval to.

The leaders countenance his plans for reform.

Middle English, from Old French 'contenance', from Latin 'continentia'.

to give countenance

to give support or approval to something.

countenance wavers

to show a change in expression, often indicating uncertainty.

demeanor

the outward behavior or appearance of someone.

visage

a person's face, with reference to the form or proportions of the features.

Face

He's got a serious countenance, like he means business.

Support

I can't countenance that idea; it makes no sense.