Visage: meaning, definitions and examples

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visage

[ˈvɪzɪdʒ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human face

The visage refers to the face or facial expression of a person. It can convey emotions, thoughts, and feelings through expressions such as smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows. The visage is often considered a reflection of one's inner self and can be used to judge a person's mood or personality.

Synonyms

countenance, face, facial expression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
visage	The word 'visage' is often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe someone's face. It can convey a more formal or artistic tone. The artist captured her serene visage on canvas. His visage was calm despite the chaos around him.
face	The word 'face' is the most common and general term to describe the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin. It is used in everyday conversation and is very versatile. She washed her face before bedtime. His face lit up when he saw the surprise.
countenance	The term 'countenance' can be used to describe someone's face, especially in relation to their facial expression, demeanor, or perceived character. It is also a bit more formal and can be found in literary or historical texts. Her countenance brightened up the room. He had a stern countenance that commanded respect.
facial expression	'Facial expression' specifically refers to the movements of the face that convey emotions or reactions. This term is frequently used in discussions about emotions, psychology, and communication. Her facial expression showed her surprise clearly. You can often tell what someone is thinking by their facial expression.

Examples of usage

The visage of the old man showed years of wisdom and experience.
She couldn't hide the disappointment on her visage.
His stern visage made it clear that he was not pleased.
The visage of the statue was so lifelike, it seemed to almost breathe.
Even with a mask on, her visage revealed her true feelings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'visage', which originates from the Latin word 'visus', meaning 'sight' or 'appearance'.
In the 14th century, 'visage' was used to describe the human face specifically, linking it to how people perceive beauty.

Art and Literature

Famous artists often focus on 'visage' in portraits, capturing not just the face but the emotions and stories behind it.
In poetry and literature, the term is frequently used to evoke imagery related to beauty, sorrow, or identity.

Psychology

Facial expressions are powerful indicators of emotions, and the study of 'visage' helps psychologists understand human interactions.
Research shows that people can judge a person's emotion or personality just by looking at their face for a few seconds.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have varied interpretations of facial features, which can represent beauty or status in different societies.
In many cultures, the way a person presents their 'visage' can carry significant social meaning, affecting identity and belonging.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'visage' is often used in fashion and beauty contexts, emphasizing the importance of facial aesthetics.
Characters in films and literature sometimes have their 'visages' described in detail to reveal their personality traits or underlying motives.

Translations

Translations of the word "visage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rosto

🇮🇳 मुँह

🇩🇪 Gesicht

🇮🇩 wajah

🇺🇦 обличчя

🇵🇱 twarz

🇯🇵 顔

🇫🇷 visage

🇪🇸 rostro

🇹🇷 yüz

🇰🇷 얼굴

🇸🇦 وجه

🇨🇿 tvář

🇸🇰 tvár

🇨🇳 面孔

🇸🇮 obraz

🇮🇸 andlit

🇰🇿 бет

🇬🇪 სახე

🇦🇿 üz

🇲🇽 rostro

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,581, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19578 shuffle
19579 morsel
19580 warts
19581 visage
19582 writhing
19583 obligate
19584 foreshadowed
...