KEPT COUNTENANCE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "kept countenance" refers to the act of maintaining a composed or calm facial expression or demeanor, especially in the face of adversity, stress, or challenging circumstances. It involves controlling one's emotions and projecting an outward appearance that does not reveal inner feelings or turmoil.
The phrase originates from the word "countenance," which refers to a person's face or facial expression. When someone "keeps countenance," they are consciously managing their facial features, ensuring they do not betray their emotions or intentions. It entails maintaining a steady or neutral expression, regardless of what they may be experiencing internally.
To "keep countenance" often involves suppressing feelings such as anger, fear, surprise, or disappointment and presenting a controlled and unflustered exterior. This can be done to project an air of confidence, to deceive others, or simply as a means of self-control and maintaining a sense of dignity in difficult circumstances.
This phrase is frequently used to describe characters in literature or theater who maintain their stoicism, even when faced with extreme challenges or distressing situations. It is also commonly employed to describe individuals who possess strong emotional resilience and have developed the ability to hide their true feelings, allowing them to navigate social or professional situations with poise and decorum.
Common Misspellings for KEPT COUNTENANCE
- jept countenance
- mept countenance
- lept countenance
- oept countenance
- iept countenance
- kwpt countenance
- kspt countenance
- kdpt countenance
- krpt countenance
- k4pt countenance
- k3pt countenance
- keot countenance
- kelt countenance
- ke-t countenance
- ke0t countenance
- kepr countenance
- kepf countenance
- kepg countenance
- kepy countenance
Etymology of KEPT COUNTENANCE
The term "kept countenance" consists of two separate words: "kept" and "countenance". The etymology of each word is as follows:
1. "Kept":
The word "kept" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "keep". Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "cepan", which means "to take heed, care, or watch over". Over time, "cepan" evolved into "keep", retaining the sense of safeguarding or preserving.
2. "Countenance":
The term "countenance" originates from the Old French word "cuntenance", which was derived from the Latin word "continentia", meaning "restraint" or "self-control".
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