To form an expression that often shows warmth, pleasure, or welcome.
Reach for it when describing the facial expression of warmth, pleasure, amusement, reassurance, or welcome
The conductor smiled when the difficult passage finally came together.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| literary | |
| Register not recorded |
playful
Fits when a broad visible expression of pleasure fits
Careful A grin can look mischievous or insensitive.
playful
smirk
Fits when self-satisfied or mocking pleasure is actually meant
Careful Smirk is usually negative and should not replace warm praise.
everyday
look pleased
Fits when the emotion is clearer than the exact expression
Careful A person can look pleased without smiling.
warm
Fits when unmistakable happiness lights the whole face
Careful Beam is stronger and less suitable for quiet reassurance.
warm
Fits when the whole expression becomes happier
Careful Brighten does not require a smile.
warm
smile warmly
Fits when welcome and kindness should be explicit
Careful The phrase adds interpretation that may not be visible from a neutral smile.
literary
Fits when warm happiness appears across the face
Careful Glow is figurative and less specific.
Register not recorded
Fits when audible amusement is central
Careful Laughter is stronger and can occur without smiling.
smile warmly
The receptionist began to smile warmly when the child approached.
smile at someone
He chose to smile at someone waiting alone.
smile with relief
The climbers could finally smile with relief.
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
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