DictionaryRoot: com-
Latin

com-

with, together; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • com-
  • con- — Used before many consonants in Latin.
  • col- — Used before l in Latin.
  • cor- — Used before r in Latin.
  • co- — Shortened especially before vowels.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *kom, ‘with; beside.’

Note

In some formations, togetherness shades into completeness; the prefix’s exact contribution can be uncertain.

253 / 265
noun

countenance

KOWN-tuh-nuhns/ˈkaʊntənəns/

A person's face or facial expression.

The man's countenance shows a gentle, thoughtful expression.

A close, uncluttered portrait emphasizing a man's face and its gently thoughtful expression.
Etymology

Holding oneself together supplied an image of self-restraint. The meaning shifted from controlled behavior and bearing to outward appearance, then to the facial expression revealing a state of mind and to the face itself.

In context

Storytime Haven374:47
His countenance went livid. I do not think I have ever seen a man's face assume such an expression of fiendish vindictiveness.
The Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent Love 🕵️‍♂️💘 | William Le Queux Classic Spy Thriller

More examples

  • A broad smile transforms his countenance.
  • The portrait captures her youthful countenance.
  • Their worried countenances reveal how much is at stake.

Forms

countenance · countenances

Similar words

face
Names the physical features, without necessarily suggesting a mood.
expression
Focuses on the emotion or attitude shown by the face.