visage

[viz-ij]

noun

1. the face, usually with reference to shape, features, expression, etc.; countenance.

2. aspect; appearance.

visage

/ ˈvɪzɪdʒ /

noun

1. face or countenance

2. appearance; aspect

Other Word Forms

• visaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, equivalent to vis “face” (from Latin vīsus “sight, appearance” ( Vulgar Latin: “face”), noun use of masculine past participle of vidēre “to see”) + -age -age. See wit ² ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of visage¹

C13: from Old French: aspect, from vis face, from Latin vīsus appearance, from vidēre to see

Synonym Study

See face.

Example Sentences

But Mitchell, whose bushy beard and joking personality complement a perpetually smiling visage, turned serious when explaining the end of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also deeply descriptive, with a fitting focus on the self’s visage.

From Los Angeles Times

Judging by social media, my irrepressible loathing of Leavitt's smug visage and pompous voice makes me typical of my demographic: progressive, college-educated women between the ages of 25 and 65.

From Salon

Still, it seems the Defence Ministry's shattered visage will remain unchanged for a while at least.

From BBC

Its plaster interior, an old taxidermy technique, gives it a stiff visage and makes it exceedingly heavy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• countenance