countenance
2
7.8
- noun
- /ˈkaʊntənəns/
- Formal
:
beneplácito
- For example, the limited degree to which international law countenances exceptional maritime claims based on historic waters and ancient title will have profound implications for states claiming broad historic entitlement in the South China Sea.
- gives countenance
Examples
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Similarly, any evidence of carcinogenicity in experiments on lab animals might be too much for a jury to countenance, while scientists see the question as a matter of degree.
Academic text (1996) -
And hath given countenance to his speech with almost all the holy vows of heaven.
-
Which I will do with confirmed countenance.
-
What, in short, should be the new face of the Latin American Society in the future, and what human values should lie behind the new countenance?
Academic text (1992) -
The board expressed its official countenance for the new policy during the meeting.
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To gain the organization's countenance, many proposals must go through rigorous evaluation.
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The ambassador received the government's countenance before proceeding with the agreement.
Synonyms
161
3.6
A public statement supporting a person, product, or idea
104
2.7
Being approved or welcomed by other people
27
5.7
Official permission from an authority to do something
7
9.9
Official permission from an authority to publish a work
1
9.7
A higher court decision that confirms a lower court's ruling
Official approval given to a person or plan
Antonyms
How Approving
Surface Forms
Etymology
Countenance also came to mean 'approval' because a friendly or favorable look was used as a sign of support or permission. That's why countenance can mean formal permission or support.