Demeanor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
demeanor
[dษชหmiหnษr ]
Definitions
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- A personโs demeanor can greatly influence first impressions, often affecting social interactions.
- Research shows that a confident demeanor can lead to better opportunities in both personal and professional life.
- Non-verbal cues, like facial expressions or posture, play a significant role in conveying oneโs demeanor to others.
Literature
- In literature, characters' demeanor is often described to offer insight into their personality and emotional states.
- Famous authors, like Jane Austen, meticulously crafted their characters' demeanor to reveal social class and character traits.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures interpret demeanor variably; for instance, direct eye contact is seen as confidence in some cultures but can be considered rude in others.
- Politeness and formality in demeanor can differ widely across cultures, impacting social interactions and communications.
Pop Culture
- In film and TV, characters with contrasting demeanors create engaging dynamics, like the cheerful friend versus the serious one.
- Reality shows often focus on people's demeanor, as it determines how they relate to and respond to one another.
Origin of 'demeanor'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'demeanor,' meaning behavior, which evolved from the Latin 'deminere,' meaning to conduct oneself.
- Since the late 14th century, the term has been used in English to describe a personโs outward behavior.
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.