1 demeanor | Definition of demeanor
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

demeanor

noun
de·​mean·​or | \ di-ˈmÄ“-nÉ™r How to pronounce demeanor (audio) \

Definition of demeanor

: behavior toward others : outward manner
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about demeanor

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for demeanor

Synonyms

actions, address, bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, deportment, geste (also gest) [archaic]

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Choose the Right Synonym for demeanor

bearing, deportment, demeanor, mien, manner, carriage mean the outward manifestation of personality or attitude. bearing is the most general of these words but now usually implies characteristic posture. a woman of regal bearing deportment suggests actions or behavior as formed by breeding or training. your deportment was atrocious demeanor suggests one's attitude toward others as expressed in outward behavior. the haughty demeanor of the headwaiter mien is a literary term referring both to bearing and demeanor. a mien of supreme self-satisfaction manner implies characteristic or customary way of moving and gesturing and addressing others. the imperious manner of a man used to giving orders carriage applies chiefly to habitual posture in standing or walking. the kind of carriage learned at boarding school

Did You Know?

There's a long trail from Latin minari (which means "to threaten" and has been connected to the threatening cries of cattle drivers) to English demeanor. Along the way, we first encounter Latin minare; it means "to drive" and was once used specifically of driving animals for herding. From there, the path leads us to Anglo-French, where we pass by mener (to lead) and then demener (to conduct). Next comes Middle English demenen and then Modern English demean, both meaning "to conduct (oneself) in a certain manner." And, finally, we take one last step, and add the suffix -or to demean to get demeanor.

Examples of demeanor in a Sentence

Staffs like the one at Veritas have come a long way from the days when sommeliers … intimidated diners with their overbearing demeanor and French accents. — Food & Wine, September 2002 Sam himself, a quiet young man with a rather shy demeanor, was somewhat bemused by all this attention. — Lola Oberman, Bird Watcher's Digest, November/December 1994 the director of the opera company has a haughty demeanor that can be irritating
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 Does your chill nature compliment their anxious demeanor? — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "10 Signs You've Found Your Soulmate," 28 Aug. 2019 In September your friendly demeanor may attract new social contacts, or you may be invited to join a group. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for Aug. 24, 2019: Libra, budding romance could blossom; Sagittarius, make a profit from pastimes," 24 Aug. 2019 Scott Satterfield is known for his calm demeanor, but his assistant coaches and players are a different story. — Dominique Yates, The Courier-Journal, "Jawon Pass and Devante Peete could be emerging for Louisville football as opener nears," 15 Aug. 2019 Over time, and with great difficulty, Mr. Brown, who jokes that his stern demeanor sometimes frightens strangers, has transformed himself from grieving, angry parent to full-time peace activist. — Timothy Williams, New York Times, "The Lives of Ferguson Activists, Five Years Later," 10 Aug. 2019 Prusha gives Hazel a quavering, half-jittery, half-angry voice and a near-wildness of demeanor while also communicating the fierce resolve and strength underlying her seeming unpredictability. — Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, "In ‘The Children,’ wrestling with responsibility in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster," 7 Aug. 2019 His demeanor meant to reassure citizens Dayton remained safe. — Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "Meet Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl. He's the Elder grad and former Cincinnati Police Department official now in the national spotlight.," 6 Aug. 2019 The focus on congressional theatrics and his demeanor misses the point. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "The Media Missed Mueller’s Clear Case for Impeaching Trump," 24 July 2019 Beast is confident, without being cocky, and that kind of genuineness good-natured demeanor makes Colin Hanks (Life in Pieces, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) the perfect choice for the big blue guy. — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "Who Can Play the X-Men Now?," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'demeanor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of demeanor

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for demeanor

see demean entry 2

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for demeanor

demeanor

noun
How to pronounce demeanor (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of demeanor

: a person's appearance and behavior : the way someone seems to be to other people

See the full definition for demeanor in the English Language Learners Dictionary

demeanor

noun
de·​mean·​or | \ di-ˈmÄ“-nÉ™r How to pronounce demeanor (audio) \

Kids Definition of demeanor

: outward manner or behavior a gentle demeanor

demeanor

noun
de·​mea·​nor | \ di-ˈmÄ“-nÉ™r How to pronounce demeanor (audio) \

Legal Definition of demeanor

: outward manner : way of conducting oneself

Note: A jury may consider a witness's demeanor on the stand in determining the witness's credibility.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on demeanor

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with demeanor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for demeanor

Spanish Central: Translation of demeanor

Nglish: Translation of demeanor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of demeanor for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!