Definition

1. 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

1. having a face longer than the usual