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Translate files 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.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'contenance', from Latin 'continentia'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to give countenance:
to give support or approval to something.
countenance wavers:
to show a change in expression, often indicating uncertainty.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
Face
He's got a serious countenance, like he means business.
Support
I can't countenance that idea; it makes no sense.