Beam
What it means
To show unmistakable delight or pride through a broad, radiant smile.
Reach for it when describing happiness that is clearly visible on someone's face
Mina began to beam when the audience recognized her grandfather's song.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| literary |
-
playful
Fits when the smile is broad or mischievous
Not when gentle pride sets the mood
-
everyday
light up
Fits when a sudden delight transforms someone's face
Not when the happiness remains quietly steady
-
everyday
Fits when any pleasant facial expression will do
Not when the joy is especially radiant
-
warm
Fits when happiness seems to light the whole face
Not when the expression must be a smile
-
professional
look delighted
Fits when neutral reporting is preferable
Not when vivid celebratory language fits
-
literary
radiate
Fits when joy affects the surrounding atmosphere
Not when only facial movement is described
Opposites 3
- frown
- scowl
- glower
Common phrases 3
-
beam with pride
The apprentice began to beam with pride beside the finished cabinet.
-
beam at someone
Ravi would beam at his daughter whenever she entered the room.
-
beam broadly
The winners beam broadly throughout the team photograph.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated