countenance crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "countenance crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand why each answer fits.
Solutions for "countenance crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FACE: The most common meaning of 'countenance' as a noun is a person's face.
6 Letters
PERMIT: As a verb, 'to countenance' means to allow or tolerate, making 'permit' a suitable answer.
7 Letters
APPROVE: Another verbal meaning of 'countenance' is to give official approval or sanction to something.
10 Letters
EXPRESSION: When 'countenance' refers to the look on one's face that shows emotion, 'expression' is a perfect fit.
More About "countenance crossword puzzle clue"
The word "countenance" is a fascinating one in the English language, primarily because of its dual nature as both a noun and a verb. In its noun form, it most frequently refers to a person's face or their facial expression, often conveying mood or character. For example, a "stern countenance" describes a serious facial look.
As a verb, "to countenance" means to permit, tolerate, or approve of something. This usage is perhaps less common in everyday conversation today but remains prevalent in literature and, crucially, in crosswords. This ambiguity is precisely what makes "countenance" a popular and sometimes tricky clue for puzzle setters, forcing solvers to consider context.
When encountering this clue, always consider the surrounding words. Is it asking for a physical feature or an action? The number of letters provided in the grid is usually the most significant hint, narrowing down whether the setter intends a noun like FACE or a verb like PERMIT. Understanding this duality is key to unlocking the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Type: For clues like "countenance" with dual meanings (noun/verb), determine the part of speech required by the context of the clue. This is often the biggest hint.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is paramount. It immediately rules out many possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit the exact length.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words that have similar or opposite meanings to the clue. Crossword setters love to use subtle variations.
- Look for Pluralization or Tense: If the clue implies a plural (e.g., "countenances") or a specific tense (e.g., "countenanced"), your answer must match in form.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'countenance' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'countenance' often include FACE, VISAGE, or EXPRESSION when referring to the noun form. For the verb form (to allow or approve), words like PERMIT, ALLOW, or SANCTION are frequently seen as answers.
Can 'countenance' be both a noun and a verb in crosswords?
Yes, 'countenance' is famously versatile, acting as both a noun (a person's face or facial expression) and a verb (to tolerate, approve, or allow). Crossword setters often leverage this double meaning to create challenging clues.
How do I determine if 'countenance' is used as a noun or verb in a clue?
Look at the surrounding words in the clue. If it's something like 'A pleasant countenance', it's likely a noun. If it says 'To countenance such behavior', it's functioning as a verb. The word length can also be a strong indicator, as verb answers like PERMIT (6 letters) will differ from noun answers like EXPRESSION (10 letters).