Demeanor: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
demeanor
[ dษชหmiหnษr ]
in social interaction
Demeanor refers to a person's outward behavior or appearance, especially in social situations. It is how someone presents themselves to others, including their body language, facial expressions, and overall attitude.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
demeanor |
Used to describe the outward behavior or attitude of a person, especially as it relates to their overall presence or impression.
|
behavior |
Commonly used to describe the way someone acts, including their actions and reactions, often in a broader or habitual sense.
|
conduct |
Typically used in more formal or official settings, often referring to how someone carries themselves according to rules or expectations.
|
manner |
Refers to the way someone behaves towards others, often emphasizing politeness or social etiquette.
|
Examples of usage
- Her calm demeanor helped to diffuse the tense situation.
- His friendly demeanor made everyone feel welcome at the party.
in legal context
In a legal context, demeanor can refer to a person's conduct or behavior as it pertains to their credibility as a witness. It is often observed by a judge or jury to assess the truthfulness of a witness's testimony.
Synonyms
behavior, comportment, conduct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
demeanor |
Used to describe someone's outward manner or appearance, often in terms of their mood or attitude.
|
conduct |
Usually refers to the way a person behaves in a specific context, often with an emphasis on morality or adherence to rules. It can also carry a negative connotation when discussing misconduct.
|
behavior |
Refers to the way in which someone acts, especially over a longer period of time or in response to a specific situation.
|
comportment |
A more formal term, often used in professional or elegant settings, referring to the way a person conducts themselves.
|
Examples of usage
- The witness's nervous demeanor raised doubts about the accuracy of his statement.
- The lawyer cross-examined the witness to assess her demeanor under pressure.
Translations
Translations of the word "demeanor" in other languages:
๐ต๐น comportamento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเฅเคฏเคตเคนเคพเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Verhalten
๐ฎ๐ฉ perilaku
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพะฒะตะดัะฝะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ zachowanie
๐ฏ๐ต ๆ ๅบฆ (ใใใฉ)
๐ซ๐ท comportement
๐ช๐ธ comportamiento
๐น๐ท davranฤฑล
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณููู
๐จ๐ฟ chovรกnรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ sprรกvanie
๐จ๐ณ ่กไธบ (xรญngwรฉi)
๐ธ๐ฎ vedenje
๐ฎ๐ธ hegรฐun
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผัะฝะตะท-าาฑะปัา
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแชแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ davranฤฑล
๐ฒ๐ฝ comportamiento
Etymology
The word 'demeanor' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'demener' meaning 'to conduct oneself'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. Over time, 'demeanor' has evolved to encompass both social and legal contexts, highlighting the importance of behavior and conduct in various interactions.
See also: misdemeanor.