Smile
v.joyful, kindeveryday
What it means
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.
Choose between these
8- playful
when a broad visible expression of pleasure fits
not when A grin can look mischievous or insensitive.
- playful
smirk
when self-satisfied or mocking pleasure is actually meant
not when Smirk is usually negative and should not replace warm praise.
- everyday
look pleased
when the emotion is clearer than the exact expression
not when A person can look pleased without smiling.
- warm
when unmistakable happiness lights the whole face
not when Beam is stronger and less suitable for quiet reassurance.
- warm
when the whole expression becomes happier
not when Brighten does not require a smile.
- warm
smile warmly
when welcome and kindness should be explicit
not when The phrase adds interpretation that may not be visible from a neutral smile.
- literary
when warm happiness appears across the face
not when Glow is figurative and less specific.
- register not recorded
when audible amusement is central
not when Laughter is stronger and can occur without smiling.
Said against
3- frown
- scowl
- grimace
It naturally appears in
3- 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.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb: form a pleased, kind, or amused expression with the mouth opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.