English vocabulary · C1
Countenance
/ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/ · n., v.
It means to accept or allow something.
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Example sentences
- The board would not countenance any changes to the plan.
- She refused to countenance his rude behavior.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — together (from Latin)
- ten — hold (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- approve (officially agreeing to something)
- accept (allowing something without objection)
- allow (permitting something to happen)
Words with the same root
tenere — hold
- contain — to hold things inside
- retain — to hold back or keep something
- maintain — to hold something in the same state
Lesson notes
Countenance. It means to accept or allow something. To give your approval and let it continue.
Similar words are approve, accept, and allow. Use countenance when someone in a position of power chooses to permit something.
The board would not countenance any changes to the plan. She refused to countenance his rude behavior.
From Latin. Con means together. Ten means hold. To hold things together in your mind — to accept and allow. That is countenance.