smile Meaning, Definition & Usage

Smile intransitive verb

Etymology

OE. smilen; akin to Dan. smile, Sw. smila, MHG. smielen, smieren, L. mirari to wonder at, Skr. smi to smile; and probably to E. smicker. Cf. Admire, Marvel, Smirk.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Smiled ; present participle & verbal noun Smiling

Definitions

1. To express amusement, pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness, by the features of the face; to laugh silently.

   He doth nothing but frown . . . He hears merry tales and smiles not. Shak.

   She led to see the doughty hero slain. Pope.

   When last I saw thy young blue eyes, they smiled. Byron.

2. To express slight contempt by a look implying sarcasm or pity; to sneer.

   'T was what I said to Craggs and Child, Who praised my modesty, and smiled. Pope.

3. To look gay and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smilimg plenty.

   The desert smiled, And paradise was opened in the wild. Pope.

4. To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance; -- often with on; as, to smile on one's labors.

Smile transitive verb

Definitions

1. To express by a smile; as, to smile consent; to smile a welcome to visitors.
2. To affect in a certain way with a smile. R.

   And sharply smile prevailing folly dead. Young.

Smile noun

Etymology

CF. Dan. smiil, Sw. smil. See Smile, v. i.

Definitions

1. The act of smiling; a peculiar change or brightening of the face, which expresses pleasure, moderate joy, mirth, approbation, or kindness; -- opposed to frown.

   Sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles: for smiles from reason flow. Milton.

2. A somewhat similar expression of countenance, indicative of satisfaction combined with malevolent feelings, as contempt, scorn, etc; as, a scornful smile.
3. Favor; countenance; propitiousness; as, the smiles of Providence. "The smile of heaven." Shak.
4. Gay or joyous appearance; as, the smiles of spring.

   The brightness of their [the flowers'] smile was gone. Bryant.