Words / C1

di-MEEN-uh/dɪˈmiːnə/

Demeanour is the way a person looks and behaves: a calm demeanour, professional demeanour. Manner and behaviour are everyday; bearing is a close, slightly literary cousin. American spelling is demeanor. In speech, manner or how they come across is enough. Demeanour is outward — it can hide feeling. Do not confuse it with demean (verb: to lower someone’s dignity).

Meaning

The way a person looks and behaves.

Examples

• “Her calm demeanour helped the class.”
• “Her calm demeanour steadied the class after the alarm.”
• “His demeanour in the interview was open; the references told a colder story.”

Good to know

Outward manner/behaviour. British spelling: demeanour. Everyday: manner / how they come across. Close: bearing. Contrast: demean = belittle.

Near in meaning

manner

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