What does demeanour mean?
Demeanour refers to a person's outward manner, bearing, or behaviour — the way someone presents themselves to others, particularly as it reveals their underlying character, mood, or attitude. It is most often used with a descriptive adjective, as in 'a calm demeanour', 'a professional demeanour', or 'a nervous demeanour', to convey at a glance how someone appears to be conducting themselves in a given situation. The word carries no inherent positive or negative connotation; its tone is set by whatever adjective accompanies it. It is a primarily British form, with American English preferring the spelling 'demeanor'. Demeanour belongs to a fairly formal register and is common in journalism, legal writing, psychology, and workplace communication, though it is well understood in general use. Its etymology traces back through Old French to a verb meaning 'to conduct or behave', making it a useful word for discussing presence and self-presentation.
nounA person's outward behaviour, manner, or bearing, especially as it reflects their character or attitude. The spelling 'demeanor' is standard in American English.
- Outward behaviour, manner, or bearing of a person, especially as expressive of character or mood.
"Despite the pressure of the courtroom, she maintained a calm and composed demeanour throughout."
"His cheerful demeanour made him instantly popular with the new team."
"The witness's nervous demeanour did not escape the notice of the defence counsel."
Rarely used in the plural; demeanour usually functions as an uncountable mass noun referring to a person's overall manner.
"The two suspects displayed markedly different demeanours during questioning."
Demeanour has nothing to do with being 'mean' — it comes from an old verb meaning to conduct oneself, which is why it describes how you carry yourself rather than how you treat others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demeanour
Demeanour derives from the Middle English verb 'demen', meaning to conduct or behave oneself, which itself came from Anglo-Norman and Old French forms related to 'demeneure' (conduct) and ultimately from Latin roots concerning guidance or leading. The noun originally referred simply to one's manner of conducting themselves, and this sense has remained stable since its adoption into English around the late 15th century. The spelling variant 'demeanor' became standard in American English following Noah Webster's orthographic reforms.
Related word forms
How demeanour is actually used
Primarily British English; American English uses the spelling 'demeanor'. Register is neutral-to-formal, common in journalism, psychology, and professional writing. Often modified by adjectives describing composure (calm, confident, serious).
Easily confused with demeanour
'Demean' is the verb meaning to lower in dignity or status, while 'demeanour' is the noun for outward behaviour — they share an etymological root but have entirely different meanings.