simper
[ sim-per ]
verb (used without object)
to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.
verb (used with object)
to say with a simper.
noun
a silly, self-conscious smile.
Origin of simper
1First recorded in 1560–70; related to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss dialect adjective semper “affected, coy,” German zimpfer “dainty, affected,” and to Middle Dutch zimperlijc “affected, coy”; further etymology unknown
Other words for simper
Other words from simper
- sim·per·er, noun
- sim·per·ing·ly, adverb
- un·sim·per·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use simper in a sentence
As a toe dancer in an alleged court scene, on land, Annette was a mere simperer.
The Art Of The Moving Picture | Vachel Lindsay
British Dictionary definitions for simper
simper
/ (ˈsɪmpə) /
verb
(intr) to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way
(tr) to utter (something) in a simpering manner
noun
a simpering smile; smirk
Origin of simper
1C16: probably from Dutch simper affected
Derived forms of simper
- simperer, noun
- simpering, adjective, noun
- simperingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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