demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

The word demeanor is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a person's behavior, usually in terms of politeness, shyness, friendliness, etc. For example, "She had a very friendly demeanor and seemed eager to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Valk, who is tall and lanky with sandy blond hair, has an easy smile and outgoing demeanor.

The Guardian - Tech

McConnell, who is typically known for his calm and collected demeanor, defended his position in a forceful speech on the Senate floor.

The Guardian

Yellen faced some mild freshman hazing from members of the committee, but nothing that affected her calm, methodical demeanor.

The Guardian - Business

Surprisingly enough, the group's 15-cut demo tape is more tame, with the vocals much clearer, resulting in a more commercial sound than one would first suspect by their stage demeanor.

The Guardian - Music

Ms Blume's wide-eyed demeanor struck a chord with the vendeuse, who sold the young woman a Balenciaga suit for a uniquely modest sum.

The Economist

One colleague of his in India in the 1970s was initially put off by his demeanor, "which could easily be perceived as rude".

The Economist

Ms Harman is there too: umbrella in hand, she shares her shelter with a chosen few of them.The big man sweeps in, regal in demeanor.

The Economist

The first episode, United 497's April 4 landing at New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International airport, represents what Mr Fallows calls the "best" of "professionalism and demeanor".

The Economist

He was older, leather-skinned and square-jawed; he wore a baseball cap with the insignia and number of an army airborne division, and had the ramrod-straight posture and straight-spoken demeanor to match.

The Economist

That is probably thanks to his grey, technocratic demeanor as well as the many visible improvements in Moscow.

The Economist

Meanwhile he has shuttled back and forth to his home in Seattle, a speech at Stanford business school and his son's wedding in Chicago.Yet Mr Behar does not seem at all frazzled as he talks about his work, combining a decaffeinated demeanor with generous spoonfuls of sweet sentiment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "demeanor", be specific about which aspects of their behaviour contribute to the overall impression. Instead of just saying someone has a "pleasant demeanor", describe their smile, posture, or tone of voice.

Common error

Don't use "demeanor" when you mean "character". "Demeanor" refers to outward behaviour, while character refers to a person's moral and ethical qualities. For example, you can describe someone's "demeanor" as friendly, but their character as honest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demeanor" is as a noun, referring to the outward behaviour or bearing of a person. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it often describes a person's observable behaviour and overall impression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demeanor" is a noun that describes a person's outward behaviour and appearance. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. It's most common in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While a seemingly simple word, it's important not to confuse it with "character", which denotes moral qualities rather than outward presentation. Pay attention to context, ensuring that describing someone's "demeanor" provides specific, insightful information. Using alternative terms like "bearing", "manner", or "attitude" can add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bearing

Focuses more on posture and carriage, less on emotional expression.

Manner

Emphasizes the way someone behaves and interacts with others.

Comportment

Highlights dignified or proper behaviour, often in formal settings.

Conduct

Emphasizes actions and behaviour, often in a moral or ethical sense.

Attitude

Focuses on the mental state and feelings reflected in behaviour.

Disposition

Highlights a person's inherent qualities and temperament.

Appearance

Refers to outward presentation and how someone appears to others.

Presence

Focuses on the impression someone makes and their impact on a room.

Air

Describes a particular quality or impression conveyed by someone's behaviour.

Personal style

Encompasses a broader range of expressions of individuality.

FAQs

How to use "demeanor" in a sentence?

"Demeanor" describes a person's outward behaviour or appearance. For instance, "His calm demeanor helped to de-escalate the situation" or "The CEO's professional demeanor inspired confidence in the investors".

What can I say instead of "demeanor"?

You can use alternatives like "bearing", "conduct", "comportment", "manner", or "attitude" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "demeanor" to describe an object or situation?

No, "demeanor" is typically used to describe the outward behaviour or appearance of a person. It is not appropriate to use it when referring to an object or situation. Use adjectives like "atmosphere" or "ambiance" instead.

What is the difference between "demeanor" and "demeanour"?

"Demeanor" is the American spelling, while "demeanour" is the British spelling. Both words have the same meaning and refer to a person's outward behaviour or appearance.