countenance
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
A person's face or facial expression.
To accept, support, or approve of something; to give one's sanction or moral support to.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it refers to the face or expression, often implying a particular quality of character or mood. As a verb, it is a formal term meaning to tolerate or permit, often with a moral dimension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The verb is slightly more common in British legal/formal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the noun carries a formal, sometimes archaic or literary tone. The verb connotes official or moral sanction.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More likely encountered in formal writing, literature, or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
countenance (verb) + noun/gerund (e.g., countenance violence)countenance (verb) + object + verb-ing (less common)keep/lose/maintain + one's + countenance (noun)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep one's countenance (to remain calm/serious)”
- “lose countenance (to become upset/show emotion)”
- “put someone out of countenance (to disconcert/embarrass)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in formal ethics policies: 'The company will not countenance any form of corruption.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or philosophical texts discussing approval, tolerance, or facial expression as an indicator of character.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific literary analysis.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council cannot countenance the use of public funds for that purpose.
- He would not countenance such rudeness in his household.
American English
- The university does not countenance plagiarism in any form.
- I refuse to countenance a plan that involves so much risk.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He had a happy countenance.
- She has a kind countenance.
- His stern countenance made the children quiet.
- I could tell from her countenance that she was worried.
- Despite the shocking news, she managed to keep her countenance.
- The government will not countenance any breach of the treaty.
- His noble countenance and calm demeanour inspired confidence in his followers.
- The committee's refusal to countenance the proposal effectively killed the project.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The COUNT on your TEN-ANCE (face) shows your approval or disapproval.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FACE IS A WINDOW TO THE SOUL (for the noun); GIVING PERMISSION IS GIVING A FACE/FRONT (for the verb - to put a good 'face' on an action).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'содержание' (content).
- The verb 'to countenance' is not 'считать' (to count/consider).
- Closer to 'одобрять', 'терпеть' (verb) or 'выражение лица', 'лик' (noun).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common synonym for 'face'.
- Using the verb in casual contexts where 'allow' or 'tolerate' is better.
- Misspelling as 'countenence'.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Her serene countenance hid a turbulent mind,' what does 'countenance' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal/literary word. In everyday conversation, people use 'face', 'expression', 'allow', or 'tolerate' instead.
Yes, but it is formal. It means to accept, support, or give permission to something, often with a moral implication (e.g., 'We cannot countenance such behaviour').
'Face' is the neutral, common term. 'Countenance' is more formal and often refers to the face as it expresses character or mood, not just the physical object.
It means to maintain a calm or serious facial expression, especially when you want to laugh or show surprise.
Explore