countenance

[/ˈkaʊntənəns/]
noun/verbpl: countenances
semblante; rosto; expressão facial
1. The face or facial expression of a person
She had a cheerful countenance despite her difficulties.
Ela tinha um semblante alegre apesar de suas dificuldades.
2. Approval, support, or acceptance of something
The teacher could not countenance such disruptive behavior.
O professor não podia tolerar tal comportamento disruptivo.
3. The general appearance or aspect of something
The city had taken on a new countenance after the renovations.
A cidade havia adquirido um novo aspecto após as renovações.
In American English, 'countenance' is a somewhat formal or literary term, more common in written English than in everyday speech. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'semblante' carries similar formality and is often used in literature and formal contexts. The verb form (to countenance = to tolerate/support) is more frequently encountered in legal and formal English contexts.
NYC Slang
mug; grill (referring to face); vibe (referring to general appearance or approval)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
faceexpressionvisageappearancetoleranceapprovalsupport
Antonyms / Antônimos
disapproveopposeforbidprohibit

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
semblante; rosto; expressão
Most common usage for facial features and expressions
Rio de Janeiro
cara; semblante
More colloquial use of 'cara' for face/expression
São Paulo
semblante; aparência
Formal usage preferred in business contexts
Portugal
semblante; fisionomia
Uses 'fisionomia' more frequently than Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

facial expressiondemeanorbearingvisagetolerance

Related Idioms & Phrases

put on a brave countenance
keep one's countenance
long countenance (sad or disappointed expression)
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