“Demeanour” is a word often used to describe the way a person behaves, speaks, or carries themselves. It reflects one’s attitude, expression, and overall appearance in front of others. Learning the meaning of demeanour helps students understand how to describe people’s behaviour or personality traits clearly in essays, stories, and conversations. This word is frequently used in school lessons, competitive exams, and interviews, making it an important part of academic and spoken English. Understanding and using “demeanour” correctly can help you improve your vocabulary and express observations more effectively.

What Is the Meaning of Demeanour?
What Are the Synonyms or Another Word for Demeanour?
Demeanour Usage in Sentences
Frequently Asked Questions on Demeanour Meaning

What Is the Meaning of Demeanour?

Demeanour refers to the outward behavior or manner in which a person conducts themselves. It includes the way one stands, sits, talks, eats, and expresses emotions through facial gestures and body language. For example, one person may maintain friendly eye contact while speaking, while another may talk formally with folded hands in a professional setting. These actions reflect different demeanours or ways of behaving.

A person’s demeanour is visible not only in workplaces but also at home or in social situations, such as when interacting with guests. It reflects their attitude, politeness, and overall personality.

The word “demeanour” originates from the Latin term minari, meaning “to threaten,” which was once used by cattle herders. As the word evolved through Anglo-French, its meaning shifted to “conduct.” In Middle English, it appeared as demenen, meaning “to conduct oneself.” Today, demeanour continues to describe the way a person behaves or carries themselves in different contexts.

Examples:

The teacher appreciated Rahul’s calm demeanour during the class discussion.
Her cheerful demeanour made everyone around her feel comfortable and happy.
Despite the pressure, the player maintained a confident demeanour on the field.
The manager’s serious demeanour showed that the meeting was important.
Meera’s polite demeanour impressed her interviewers.
Even in difficult situations, his positive demeanour inspired his friends.
The student’s respectful demeanour earned praise from all the teachers.
Her nervous demeanour revealed that she was not prepared for the presentation.
The judge’s composed demeanour helped maintain order in the courtroom.
A person’s demeanour often reflects their thoughts and emotions.

What Are the Synonyms or Another Word for Demeanour?

There are several words that can be used as synonyms for “demeanour”, depending on the context of the sentence. Common alternatives include behaviour, conduct, manner, attitude, bearing, appearance, and comportment. These words describe how a person acts, carries themselves, or interacts with others.

For instance, “behaviour” and “conduct” are often used in formal contexts, while “manner” and “attitude” fit well in everyday conversations. Words like “bearing” and “comportment” are slightly more formal and are used to describe a person’s overall presence or way of carrying themselves.

Examples:

Her polite demeanour impressed everyone at the meeting.
His confident bearing made him stand out in the group.
The teacher praised the students for their good conduct during the event.

Demeanor vs Demeanour

There is no harm in writing demeanor or demeanour. The meaning does not change with the spellings. Both the spellings, either with or without a “u”, are correct. They are the American and British spellings. You can use either spelling based on which one you are writing in.

Demeanour Usage in Sentences

She maintained a cheerful demeanour throughout the day.
His nervous demeanour made the interviewers doubt his answers.
The teacher praised his polite demeanour in class.
A confident demeanour often helps in public speaking.
Her quiet demeanour hides great intelligence.
The guard’s strict demeanour made everyone follow the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions on Demeanour Meaning

Q1. What does a person's demeanor mean?

Answer: Your demeanor is your outward behavior. It includes the way you stand, the way you talk, your facial expressions, and more. Someone with a friendly demeanor might smile a lot and look you in the eye while talking to you.

Q2. What is an example of demeanour?

Answer: Despite the crisis situation, our manager maintained their calm demeanor. We were greeted by a small woman of cheerful demeanor. He has a shy demeanor and blushes when he has to give a presentation.

Q3. Is demeanour a positive word?

Answer: Demeanor is a person's appearance and behavior, and it can be either positive or negative. Examples of positive demeanor are “warm,” “pleasant,” and “composed.” On the contrary, “aggressive,” “arrogant,” or “cold” are examples of negative demeanor.

Q4. Is demeanor a negative word?

Answer: No, “demeanour/demeanor” is not inherently negative; it neutrally describes a person's conduct or appearance.

Q5.What is another word for demeanor?

Answer: Some common synonyms of demeanor are bearing, carriage, deportment, manner, and mien.

Q6.What is the opposite of demeanour?

Answer: The opposite words of demeanour are misconduct, rudeness, disrespect, impoliteness, indiscipline, impropriety, bad manners.

Q7.Are demeanor and personality the same thing?

Answer: Personality is your enduring traits, while demeanor is the outward manifestation of your personality, expressed through your outward behavior, body language, and expressions.