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smile

 - 3 dictionary results

smile

[smahyl] verb, smiled, smil⋅ing, noun
–verb (used without object)
1. to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision or scorn, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth.
2. to regard with favor: Luck smiled on us that night.
3. to have a pleasant or agreeable appearance or aspect, as natural scenes, objects, etc.: The landscape smiled in the sunlight.
–verb (used with object)
4. to assume or give (a smile, esp. of a given kind): She smiled a warm and friendly smile.
5. to express by a smile: to smile approval.
6. to bring, put, drive, etc., by or as by smiling: to smile one's tears away.
–noun
7. the act or an instance of smiling; a smiling expression of the face.
8. favor or kindly regard: fortune's smile.
9. a pleasant or agreeable appearance, look, or aspect.
10. smile at,
a. to regard with pleasure or amusement, as with a smile.
b. to regard with mild derision: to smile at someone's affectations.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME smyllen (v.); c. OHG smīlan, Dan smile


smileless, adjective
smile⋅less⋅ly, adverb
smile⋅less⋅ness, noun
smiler, noun
smil⋅ing⋅ly, adverb


1, 7. See laugh.


1, 7. frown.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To smile
smile   (smīl)   
n.  
  1. A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth and indicating pleasure, amusement, or derision.

  2. A pleasant or favorable disposition or aspect.

v.   smiled, smil·ing, smiles

v.   intr.
  1. To have or form a smile.

    1. To look with favor or approval: Fortune smiled on our efforts.

    2. To express cheerful acceptance or equanimity: We smiled at the bad weather and kept going.

v.   tr.
  1. To express with a smile: Grandmother smiled her consent.

  2. To effect or accomplish with or as if with a smile.


[From Middle English smilen, to smile, probably of Scandinavian origin; see smei- in Indo-European roots.]
smil'er n., smil'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

smile

In addition to the idiom beginning with smile, also see crack a smile.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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