noun
visage
VIZ-ij/ˈvɪzɪdʒ/
A person's face or the outward appearance of something.
Her calm visage reveals none of her growing concern.
Etymology
The “seeing” root shifted through “look” and “appearance” to the face, especially the face as an outward expression of someone's feelings.
In context
Dom Claude’s visage had resumed its severe expression.
More examples
- A faint smile softens his stern visage.
- The old theater presents a grand visage to the street.
- Their tired visages brighten when the children arrive.
Forms
visage · visages
Similar words
- face
- The everyday term; visage has a more literary tone.
- countenance
- Usually emphasizes a person's facial expression or composure.
- appearance
- Covers the overall visible impression, not just the face.