long-faced
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a face longer than the usual: Describes a person or animal whose facial structure is elongated or whose face appears longer than average.
- Looking sad, gloomy, or disappointed: Describes a facial expression characterized by a downcast or sorrowful look, often implying dejection.
Usage
- The primary meaning refers to a physical facial shape.
- The secondary, more common, figurative meaning describes a sad or disappointed expression, where the face seems to lengthen due to the drooping of features.
Examples
Literal (Physical Trait):
- The long-faced horse was easily recognizable in the herd.
- He has a long-faced appearance, with a prominent chin and forehead.
Figurative (Expression):
- She was long-faced after hearing the bad news.
- The team walked off the field, long-faced after their defeat.
Advanced Usage
- "to be/look long-faced": To appear visibly sad or disappointed.
- Don't be so long-faced; we'll have another chance to win.
Variants and Related Words
- Longface (n, informal): A person who often looks sad or serious.
- He's a bit of a longface, always worrying about something.
Synonyms
- Downcast: In low spirits; sad and dispirited.
- Gloomy: Appearing dark or poorly lit, or feeling sad and without hope.
- Crestfallen: Sad and disappointed.
- Doleful: Expressing sorrow; mournful.
Antonyms
- Beaming: Smiling broadly; looking very happy.
- Cheerful: Noticeably happy and optimistic.
- Radiant: Showing great joy, love, or health.
Related Idioms
- "To have a face as long as a fiddle": An idiom meaning to look very sad or miserable.
- He had a face as long as a fiddle when he realized he'd missed the flight.
Adjective
- having a face longer than the usual