Visage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😊
Add to dictionary

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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'visage'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'visage' originated from the Middle French term 'visage', which in turn came from the Latin word 'visus' meaning 'sight' or 'appearance'. The concept of visage has been an important aspect of human communication and interaction throughout history, with facial expressions playing a crucial role in conveying emotions and thoughts. The term has been used in literature, art, and everyday language to describe the human face and its expressions.


See also: visa.

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.