stoneface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, descriptive, informal
Quick answer
What does “stoneface” mean?
A person who shows no emotion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who shows no emotion; a face with a rigid, expressionless appearance.
Can refer to literal stone carvings of faces (e.g., on buildings or monuments). Figuratively, describes someone who remains impassive and unreadable, especially under pressure or scrutiny.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are consistent. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK literary contexts.
Connotations
Both share connotations of impenetrability, stoicism, and emotional control.
Frequency
Uncommon in both varieties, but not unknown.
Grammar
How to Use “stoneface” in a Sentence
He maintained his stoneface throughout the interrogation.The boss is a real stoneface when giving feedback.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stoneface” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The more common form is the hyphenated adjective 'stone-faced'.
- He gave a stone-faced reply to the accusation.
American English
- She remained stone-faced during the entire critique session.
- His stone-faced demeanor unnerved the interview panel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a negotiator who reveals nothing.
Academic
Very rare. Could appear in literary or psychological analysis.
Everyday
Rare. Used for vivid description.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stoneface”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stoneface”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stoneface”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He stonefaced the news' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'stone-faced' (the more common adjectival form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is typically one word: 'stoneface'. The adjectival form is almost always hyphenated: 'stone-faced'.
They are near synonyms. 'Poker face' is more common and idiomatic, originating from card games. 'Stoneface' is more literary/vivid, emphasizing a hard, carved, immutable quality.
Yes, it can imply admirable stoicism, self-control, or professionalism in difficult situations, not just coldness.
No, it is relatively uncommon. Learners are more likely to encounter 'stone-faced' (adjective) or synonyms like 'impassive' or 'poker-faced'.
A person who shows no emotion.
Stoneface is usually literary, descriptive, informal in register.
Stoneface: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊnfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊnfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep a stoneface”
- “A stoneface in a storm”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a face carved from STONE – it cannot change its expression.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL RESPONSIVENESS IS FLUIDITY / STOICISM IS SOLIDITY (stone).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stoneface' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?