Demeanor — Meaning and Examples
What does demeanor mean?
Demeanor refers to someone’s outward appearance, attitude, and behavior. It is the way a person presents themself to others, including their actions and emotional state.
Types of demeanor
A person’s demeanor is typically categorized as either positive or negative.
The following chart lists examples of positive demeanors:
| Positive Demeanor | Definition |
|---|---|
| Affable | Good-natured; easy to talk to |
| Calm | Peaceful; free from disturbance |
| Composed | Free from agitation; self-disciplined |
| Confident | Belief in one’s ability |
| Courteous | Polite; respectful; considerate |
| Dignified | Worthy of respect |
| Friendly | Kind and pleasant |
| Gentle | Kind and calm |
| Humble | Not proud or arrogant |
| Polite | Respectful and considerate of others |
Each of the following sentences includes an example of a positive or good demeanor:
Her affable demeanor made her a great guidance counselor.
Despite the chaos of moving across the country, his calm demeanor made it easier.
All the puppies were excited to see us, but the one we adopted had an especially friendly demeanor.
The following chart lists examples of negative demeanors:
| Negative Demeanor | Definition |
|---|---|
| Aggressive | Likely to attack or confront |
| Arrogant | Exaggerated sense of one’s abilities |
| Austere | Strict in manner, attitude, or appearance |
| Cold | Not showing emotion; unfriendly |
| Disruptive | Causing trouble that interrupts something |
| Haughty | Arrogant and prideful |
| Insolent | Showing a lack of respect |
| Offensive | Causing someone to feel hurt or angry |
| Surly | Bad-tempered |
| Volatile | Making things worse by changing moods quickly |
Each of the following sentences includes an example of a negative demeanor:
His aggressive demeanor attracted some voters but turned others away.
The applicant’s arrogant demeanor was apparent as he told the panel his last company didn’t understand his “genius.”
The coach’s austere demeanor kept the players from stepping out of line.
Demeanor examples
The following examples incorporate the use of “demeanor” in a sentence:
Despite the positive news, her demeanor suggested it wasn’t all good.
You should try and keep a calm demeanor, even if your mind is racing a mile a minute.
Your demeanor always changes when you’re nervous.
Her confident demeanor gave the rest of the group the courage they needed.
They demoted him because of his unprofessional demeanor.
In American English, the word ends in “-or,” whereas in every other English-speaking country, it ends in “-our.”
Demeanor synonyms
Synonyms of demeanor include attitude, disposition, and temperament.
| Synonym | Specific Definition | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Attitude | Feeling toward someone or something | His positive attitude, which is apparent through his smile, is contagious. |
| Behavior | Way in which someone acts | Her behavior in class has always been commendable. |
| Disposition | Someone’s mood or attitude | Their cheery disposition radiated through the house. |
| Manner | Way of behaving toward others | The child’s good manners were impressive. |
| Poise | Calm, confident, and controlled manner | She showed great poise throughout the presentation. |
| Temperament | Emotional response | The pediatrician had a gentle temperament that kept his young patients calm. |