WordGarden.iofrown
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈaʊn/
US
- /ˈfraʊn/
Meanings
Verb
to make a facial expression with the brow or mouth drawn down
to disapprove of something or view it negatively
Noun
a facial expression showing displeasure, worry, or concentration
Beyond the definition
A frown is more than just a face with the mouth turned down. It tells a small story without words. It can show unhappiness, disapproval, worry, or deep thought. Picture a detective pausing over a clue, or a parent reacting to a mess on the floor. Sometimes it appears for only a moment, like a quick sign of annoyance. Other times, it stays on someone's face and suggests sadness, stress, or concern. You can also frown upon something, which means you strongly disapprove of it.
To frown is to contract the muscles above your eyes and pull down the corners of your mouth, expressing displeasure, disapproval, sadness, or concentration. It's more than just a physical expression; it's a nonverbal cue that communicates how someone is feeling. For example: "She frowned at the messy room," indicating her dissatisfaction. Or, "He frowned in concentration as he worked on the puzzle."
Frowning can be involuntary - you might not even realize you're doing it when you're deep in thought or dealing with something difficult. But it can also be deliberate, a way to show someone that you are unhappy with what they did.
The phrase "to frown upon" means to disapprove of something strongly. For example: "Society often frowned upon unmarried women living alone in the past." This usage emphasizes moral or social disapproval.
In stories and everyday life, this expression often helps show mood before a person says anything at all. A slight frown may suggest confusion or concentration, while a deeper one can show anger, sadness, or strong disapproval. That is why it is such a useful word: it can describe both a simple facial movement and the feeling behind it.
Examples
- 1
Price reaction
She frowned when she saw the price.
- 2
Suspicious question
"Why is the door open?" he asked, frowning.
- 3
Concentration
Liam was frowning at his homework, trying to solve the last question.
- 4
Disapproval
The coach frowned at anyone who arrived late.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social disapproval
My parents always frowned on swearing at the dinner table.
- Patternfrown on + behavior
think it is wrong or unacceptable
- 6
Facial expression
There was a slight frown on her face as she listened.
- 7
Concern
"We may need a different plan," she said with a frown.
See also
Similar
- scowl
- look displeased
Shades of meaning
- furrow one's brow
Contrast
- smile
- relax one's face
Used with (collocations)
- frown at someone
- frown in confusion
- frown with concern
Word family
Explore
- disapproval
- facial expression
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- frownnounverb
Forms
- frownedpast tenseverbnoun
- frowning-ing formverbnoun
- frownspluralnounverb