Smile
/smaɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo express pleasure, amusement, or friendliness by curving the lips upwards, often showing the teeth.
/smaɪl/
To form a pleased or amused expression with the corners of the mouth, often showing the teeth.
The sun smiled down upon us.
💡 Simply: A smile is when your mouth curves up because you're happy or friendly. Think about when you see your best friend – you probably smile!
👶 For kids: When you smile, your mouth turns up because you're happy or you like something.
More Examples
She smiled sweetly at the waiter.
He smiled and nodded in agreement.
How It's Used
"She smiled at the baby."
"He smiled when he heard the good news."
The facial expression of pleasure or amusement; a pleased or amused look.
/smaɪl/
The act of smiling or the expression itself.
Her smile was infectious.
💡 Simply: A smile is the look on your face when you're happy. It's the curve of your mouth!
👶 For kids: A smile is when your mouth curves up when you're happy or like something.
More Examples
He gave a nervous smile.
The smile faded from her face.
How It's Used
"Her smile lit up the room."
"The painting captured a gentle smile."
Idioms & expressions
forced smile
A smile that does not come naturally or is insincere.
"She gave a forced smile, trying to hide her disappointment."
smile at someone
To show approval of or affection for someone by smiling at them.
"She smiled at him to show her approval."
From Middle English smilen, from Old English *smīlian (attested only in compounds), from Proto-Germanic *smīlilōną (compare Old High German smīlōn, German lächeln). Possibly related to the root of Old English *smīetan (“to smile sweetly”).
Used consistently throughout English history to depict joy, approval, or friendliness, appearing in both everyday speech and literature.
Memory tip
Imagine a curved line: your smile!
Word Origin
"to smile, to grin"