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Frown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frown

[fraสŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

facial expression

To furrow one's brow in an expression of displeasure or concentration.

Synonyms

glower, grimace, scowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frown

Used to express displeasure, confusion, or concentration. It is typically a temporary facial expression responding to a specific situation.

  • She began to frown when she heard the confusing instructions
  • He had a deep frown on his face while solving the complex math problem
grimace

Typically refers to a distorted facial expression indicating pain, disgust, or discomfort. It often looks unusual or exaggerated.

  • She grimaced as she tasted the bitter medicine
  • He made a grimace when he stepped on the sharp rock
scowl

Describes a facial expression showing deep displeasure, anger, or a bad mood lasting longer than a frown. It involves a more pronounced lowering of the eyebrows.

  • She couldn't help but scowl when she saw the unfair decision
  • His scowl deepened as the argument continued
glower

Conveys a strong, often sustained look of anger or disapproval. It is more intense than a frown and can be used to describe a serious or threatening stare.

  • The teacher glowered at the students who were talking during the test
  • He glowered at his opponent across the chessboard

Examples of usage

  • She frowned when she heard the news.
  • He frowned in confusion.
Context #2 | Noun

facial expression

A facial expression indicating displeasure, sadness, or concentration, typically with the corners of the mouth turned downward and the brow furrowed.

Synonyms

glower, grimace, scowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
frown

This word is used when someone wrinkles their forehead in displeasure, confusion, or concentration. It is generally mild and not overly aggressive.

  • She began to frown when she couldn't understand the math problem.
  • He frowned at the menu, unsure of what to order.
scowl

This word is used to describe a facial expression that shows irritation or anger. It is stronger than a frown and often involves a furrowed brow and pursed lips.

  • He scowled when he heard the bad news.
  • The manager scowled at the employee who was late again.
glower

This word is used when someone looks at another person or thing with intense anger or disapproval. It is stronger than a frown and implies a hostile attitude.

  • The teacher glowered at the students who were talking during the lecture.
  • He glowered at his competitor, feeling the heat of the competition.
grimace

This word is used to describe an expression that indicates pain, disgust, or discomfort. It often involves twisting the face.

  • She grimaced after tasting the sour lemon.
  • The patient grimaced in pain as the doctor examined the wound.

Examples of usage

  • She had a deep frown on her face.
  • His frown deepened as he listened.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that frowning can be contagious; seeing someone else frown might make you feel sad too.
  • Frowning often occurs subconsciously as a reaction to negative emotions or uncomfortable situations.
  • Researchers found that frowning can indicate both emotional pain and physical discomfort, acting as a signal to others.

Pop Culture

  • Frowning characters in cartoons often symbolize villains or troublemakers, making it easy to identify their intentions.
  • The iconic character Grumpy Cat became famous for her permanent frown, turning her into an internet meme about displeasure.
  • Movies often use a frown to depict conflict or sadness, guiding the audience's emotional response.

Literature

  • Authors often describe characters frowning to quickly convey their feelings, creating a vivid image in readers' minds.
  • In literature, a frown can signify a character's internal struggle or conflict, deepening the narrative.
  • Poets might use frowning imagery to symbolize thoughts of sorrow or discontent within a piece.

Cultural Differences

  • In some cultures, a frown is a clear sign of disapproval, while in others, people might use it less frequently.
  • Certain cultures encourage smiling or neutral expressions, meaning frowning could be viewed as impolite or confrontational.
  • Cultural norms influence expressions like frowning, impacting interpersonal communication styles worldwide.

Origin of 'frown'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Middle English from 'frounen', which means 'to scowl or grimace'.
  • Before the term became widely used, many expressed displeasure through facial expressions without specific terms.
  • Its origin can be traced back to Old French 'fronchir', meaning 'to wrinkle'.

The word 'frown' originated from Middle English 'frounen', which means 'to snort'. Over time, it evolved to mean the facial expression we know today. The act of frowning has been associated with displeasure and concentration throughout history, and continues to be a common expression in modern communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,724, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.