demeanour

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "demeanour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's behavior and appearance, especially when they are trying to make a good impression or trying to convey a certain attitude. For example: "John tried to project a confident demeanour during his interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kennedyesque is still the style, the demeanour, candidates for high office aspire to: slim, energetic, accompanied by a supremely elegant spouse.

The Guardian

I maintain my cheerful demeanour, though, anxious to chat with you and show I am not the inarticulate buffoon you evidently suppose I am.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His public demeanour was stiff and formal in movement and speech.

The Guardian

Michael Fassbender stars as a sex addict whose sober demeanour is completely at odds with his chaotic sex life.

The Guardian

"I think the judge and jury have got to see the face of the witness [to] judge their demeanour and decide for themselves whether they are going to rely on this evidence," he said.

The Guardian

He wasn't prepared to admit it on Saturday night – saying only that miracles do happen in football – but his demeanour told another story.

The Guardian - Sport

Edmund, whose gentle demeanour disguises a strong mind, ignored the barrage of distractions that accompanied his return from a bathroom break to contest the fifth set and broke at the first time of asking, then held his nerve in the fading light against a backdrop of loud French interruptions at key moments.

The Guardian - Sport

In answer to a question about his on-court demeanour under pressure, he opened a window to emotions that simmer but rarely hit boiling point.

The Guardian - Sport

José Mourinho's post-match demeanour suggested as much.

The Guardian - Sport

Xenophon said despite Najib's "genial and bumbling demeanour", the Malaysian prime minister was "the leader of a repressive and ruthless regime".

The Guardian

Premise: A handsome beach bum, whose good looks and permanently baked demeanour have allowed him to sail through life, finally gets a dose of reality when his girlfriend breaks up with him, leaving him in sole charge of their yoga studio.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demeanour" when you want to describe the way someone behaves, carries themselves, and presents themselves to others, especially when it conveys a particular impression.

Common error

Avoid confusing "demeanour", which describes behavior, with "demotion", which refers to a reduction in rank or position. Using the wrong word can drastically alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "demeanour" is as a noun. It refers to the way in which a person behaves or appears, especially the expression on their face. As Ludwig indicates, this word is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demeanour" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that describes a person's outward behavior and appearance. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, formal business, and professional settings. While alternatives like "behavior" and "conduct" exist, "demeanour" carries a nuance of deliberate presentation. Be mindful not to confuse it with "demotion". When aiming to portray an individual's observable actions in a formal setting, "demeanour" serves as a precise and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behavior

Focuses more broadly on actions and habits rather than just outward presentation.

conduct

Implies a standard of behavior, often in a formal or professional setting.

manner

Refers to a way of acting or behaving, often specific to a situation.

bearing

Emphasizes posture and overall physical presentation.

attitude

Highlights the mental state and feelings that influence behavior.

presence

Focuses on the impression someone makes in a particular place or setting.

air

Suggests a particular quality or atmosphere created by someone's behavior.

comportment

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for behavior or conduct.

disposition

Refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

mien

A literary term referring to a person's appearance or manner, especially as indicative of their mood or character.

FAQs

How to use "demeanour" in a sentence?

You can use "demeanour" to describe someone's behavior or outward appearance. For example, "His calm "demeanour" helped to de-escalate the situation".

What can I say instead of "demeanour"?

Alternatives include "behavior", "conduct", "manner", or "bearing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "demeanour" formal or informal?

"Demeanour" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for use in professional, news, and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "demeanour" and "attitude"?

"Demeanour" refers to outward behavior and appearance, while "attitude" encompasses internal feelings and mental states that influence behavior. Demeanour is what you show; attitude is what you feel.