countenance

/'kauntinəns/

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Explanation of the Word "Countenance"

Part of Speech:
- Noun
- Verb

Definition:

1. As a Noun:

   • Countenance refers to the human face or the expression you see on someone's face. For example, if someone looks happy, their countenance shows joy. It can also refer to a person's overall appearance or demeanor.
   • It can also mean formal approval or support for something.

2. As a Verb:

   • To countenance means to give permission or approval for something to happen. If you countenance an action, you are saying it is okay or acceptable.

Usage Instructions:

• Noun Usage: Use "countenance" when describing a person's facial expression or when talking about someone's appearance.
• Verb Usage: Use "countenance" when you want to express that you are allowing or approving of something.

Examples:

1. Noun:

   • "Her countenance brightened when she heard the good news." (This means her face showed happiness.)
   • "The teacher's stern countenance made the students quiet." (This means the teacher's serious facial expression made the students stop talking.)

2. Verb:

   • "The manager did not countenance any form of cheating in the exam." (This means the manager did not allow or approve of cheating.)
   • "I cannot countenance such behavior in my house." (This means I do not allow such behavior.)

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or formal writing, "countenance" may be used to describe not just the physical appearance but also the moral or emotional qualities of a person, suggesting a deeper understanding of their character.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "countenance," but related words include "countenancing" (the present participle of the verb) and "countenanced" (the past tense of the verb).

Different Meanings:

• In addition to the meanings provided, "countenance" can sometimes refer to the support given to someone or something, particularly in a formal context.

Academic

Noun

1. the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
2. formal and explicit approval
   • a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement
3. the appearance conveyed by a person's face
   • a pleasant countenance
   • a stern visage

Verb

1. consent to, give permission
   • She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
   • I won't let the police search her basement
   • I cannot allow you to see your exam

Synonyms

• physiognomy
• phiz
• visage
• kisser
• smiler
• mug
• sanction
• endorsement
• indorsement
• warrant
• imprimatur
• permit
• allow
• let