frown
B2Neutral (used across formal, informal, and literary contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To bring the eyebrows together and wrinkle the forehead, typically expressing displeasure, concentration, or worry.
To show disapproval of or strong disagreement with something; to look disapprovingly (often used with 'on/upon').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with negative emotions (displeasure, disapproval, worry, confusion, deep thought). Can be intransitive (he frowned) or transitive (he frowned his disapproval). The noun form 'frown' refers to the facial expression itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Minor differences in collocational frequency and minor spelling in derivatives (e.g., 'frowningly' is rare in both).
Connotations
Identical. Connotes disapproval, worry, or deep thought.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English according to some corpora, but the difference is negligible for learners.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + ADV (frown deeply)VERB + PREP (frown at/on/upon)VERB + (that) CLAUSE (She frowned, realising her mistake.)NOUN + PREP (a frown of concentration)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “frown on/upon something”
- “furrow one's brow (related)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The board tends to frown on unexpected expenses."
Academic
"The theory was once frowned upon by the establishment."
Everyday
"Mum frowned when she saw the muddy footprints."
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts; replaced by more specific terms in psychology (e.g., 'corrugator supercilii activation').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher frowned at the noisy pupils.
- The council frowns upon littering in the park.
American English
- The manager frowned at the incomplete report.
- Many schools frown on students using phones in class.
adverb
British English
- She looked at him frowningly, unsure of his motives. (rare, literary)
American English
- He shook his head frowningly as he read the news. (rare, literary)
adjective
British English
- She gave him a frowning glance over her spectacles.
- The frowning judge silenced the courtroom.
American English
- He walked past with a frowning expression.
- The frowning inspector noted several violations.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby frowned and started to cry.
- Why are you frowning? Are you sad?
- My parents always frown on staying out too late.
- She read the difficult instructions with a frown.
- The committee frowned upon the proposal, citing ethical concerns.
- A slight frown crossed his face as he considered the implications.
- Although the practice is not illegal, it is widely frowned upon in professional circles.
- Her initial enthusiasm was met with collective frowns from the sceptical panel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROWN slipping down your forehead, making you FROWN.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISAPPROVAL IS A DOWNWARD FACIAL MOVEMENT; CONCENTRATION IS FACIAL CONSTRICTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'хмуриться' which is correct, but avoid direct translation of 'frown at' as 'хмуриться на' – use 'хмуриться, глядя на' or 'смотреть с неодобрением на'.
- The noun 'frown' is 'нахмуренный взгляд' or simply 'неодобрительный вид', not 'хмурь'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'frown' to mean 'cry' (confusion with 'frown' and 'froan').
- Incorrect preposition: 'frown to something' instead of 'frown on/upon/at something'.
- Using as a direct translation for a general 'sad face' rather than a specific brow-wrinkling action.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'to frown upon something'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often showing displeasure or disapproval, a frown can also indicate deep concentration, confusion, worry, or thoughtful scrutiny.
A 'scowl' is a more intense, angry, or hostile frown, often involving the whole face. A 'frown' can be milder and more associated with thought or worry.
Yes. 'He had a deep frown on his face' is correct. The noun refers to the expression itself.
No, the standard prepositions are 'frown at' (direct your frown towards someone/something) and 'frown on/upon' (disapprove of something abstract).