Meaning of countenance in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈkaʊnt(ə)nəns/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce countenance in British English, in context ▾
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1. Verb

   countenance

   Definitions

   1. consent to, give permission

   Examples

   • « 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 »

   Antonyms

   • forbid
   • prohibit
   • interdict
   • proscribe
   • veto
   • disallow
   • forbid
   • prohibit
   • interdict
   • proscribe
   • veto
   • disallow

2. Noun

   countenance

   Etymology

   Middle English: from Old French contenance‘bearing, behavior’, from contenir (see contain). The early sense was ‘bearing, demeanor’, also ‘facial expression’, hence ‘the face’

   Definitions

   1. the appearance conveyed by a person's face

   Examples

   • « a pleasant countenance »
   • « a stern visage »
3. 2. formal and explicit approval

   Examples

   • « a Democrat usually gets the union's endorsement »
4. 3. the human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)