Countenance means a person's face, especially the expression it shows. When you look at someone's countenance, you're seeing their physical features and what their face reveals about their mood or feelings. A cheerful countenance shows happiness through bright eyes and a smile, while a troubled countenance might show worry through a furrowed brow.

The word often appears in older books and formal writing. In The Secret Garden, you might read that Mary's countenance changed from sour to pleasant as she made friends. In history books, you might learn that Abraham Lincoln's countenance showed the weight of leading the nation through the Civil War.

Countenance can also be a verb meaning to approve of something or allow it to happen. A teacher might refuse to countenance rule-breaking in her classroom, meaning she won't tolerate or permit it. A coach might not countenance players being rude to referees.

This helps explain why countenance suggests more than just a face: it's about the whole impression someone's expression creates. When someone “keeps their countenance,” they maintain a calm, composed expression even in difficult situations.