Recently, while I wait to get an accurate prescription for glasses following cataract surgery, I have been listening to audiobooks rather than reading. I started off with a book of Agatha Christie short stories, which I really enjoyed. The word countenance has appeared several times, for example she had a pleasant countenance. It struck me that this word is little used today but I felt it worthy of a Wordy Wednesday.

It is another word with several distinct meanings; the first as above, to describe a person’s appearance. Other meanings are to support, she gave her countenance to the event. It also describes when we do not accept or tolerate something, for example she wouldn’t countenance such behaviour.

Originating from the 13th century, the word is from the Old French, contenance referring to bearing or behaviour, from contenir (contain).