demeanor
dih-MEE-ner
/dɪˈmiːnə(r)/
Outward behavior or bearing; the way a person conducts themselves.
Refers to the overall impression created by a person's physical behavior, posture, and facial expressions combined.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old French 'demener', meaning 'to lead, conduct, or guide'. This comes from 'mener', meaning 'to lead' (from Latin 'minare', meaning 'to drive animals with shouts'). Your demeanor is literally how you 'drive' or conduct yourself through the world.
Word relationships
- bearing: Bearing refers specifically to how a person holds and moves their body, while demeanor includes their overall attitude and facial expressions.
- conduct: Conduct refers to moral behavior and actions, whereas demeanor is the outward physical presentation of those attitudes.
Commonly confused with
- misdemeanor: A misdemeanor is a minor wrongdoing or criminal offense, whereas demeanor is outward physical behavior.
Word family
- demean (verb): To conduct or behave oneself (historical usage; modern usage usually means to degrade).
Collocations
- professional demeanor
- calm demeanor
- quiet demeanor
- friendly demeanor
Example sentences
- "The doctor's calm and reassuring demeanor helped ease the anxious patient's fears before the surgery." A doctor interacting with a worried patient.
Memory hook
Your demeanor is how you demean or elevate yourself in front of others. The mirror of your inner self.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single, isolated action; it refers to a continuous state of personal conduct.
Fun facts
- In legal trials, the 'demeanor of a witness' is a recognized factor that juries are instructed to observe to help determine whether a witness is telling the truth.
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