smile
smile
Pronunciation
smile: /smaɪl/
smai: /smaɪ/
(l): /l/ (This final 'l' often forms a syllabic consonant in English, meaning it acts as its own syllable without a preceding vowel sound, or it can be a coda of the first syllable. For simplicity in breakdown, we can consider it as the sound that completes the word.)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: smile
Plural: smiles
Verb:
Base form: smile
Third-person singular present: smiles
Present participle: smiling
Past tense: smiled
Past participle: smiled
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth, typically indicating pleasure, amusement, or friendliness.
Synonyms: grin, smirk, beam, simper
Antonyms: frown, scowl, grimace
A pleasant or favorable aspect or expression of something non-human, often suggesting good fortune or approval.
Synonyms: favor, blessing, grace, approval
Antonyms: frown, disapproval, disfavor
Verb
To form one's features into a smile; to express pleasure, amusement, or friendliness by smiling.
Synonyms: grin, beam, smirk, simper
Antonyms: frown, scowl, grimace
To look or act with favor or approval upon something, often used metaphorically.
Synonyms: favor, approve, bless, sanction
Antonyms: frown upon, disapprove, condemn
Examples of Use
Books:
"He had a wide, generous smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes." (from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee)
"The Mona Lisa is famous for her enigmatic smile."
Newspapers:
"The president offered a reassuring smile as he addressed the nation's concerns about the economy." (The New York Times)
"Local charity brings smiles to children in need with annual toy drive." (Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"Researchers investigate the impact of genuine smiles on social interactions." (Psychology Today)
"Why a simple smile can boost your mood and the moods of those around you." (Forbes Health)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: In the movie Joker (2019), Arthur Fleck's forced smile becomes a central, unsettling motif.
Music: The song "Smile" by Nat King Cole is a classic example of its use in lyrics: "Smile though your heart is aching, Smile even though it's breaking."
Television: "On Ted Lasso, the character's unwavering optimism and constant smile are a defining characteristic."
Social Media: A common caption for photos on Instagram is simply "A big smile for a beautiful day!"
Video Games: Many video game characters, like Mario, are designed with a perpetual smile to convey friendliness and cheerfulness.
General Public Discourse:
"Could you give me a smile for the camera?" (Often heard when taking photos)
"Her warm smile made me feel instantly welcome."
"Even in difficult times, it's important to find reasons to smile."
"He's got a mischievous smile, you can tell he's always up to something."
10 Quotes Using Smile
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." (Mother Teresa)
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." (Dr. Seuss)
"You're never fully dressed without a smile." (Martin Charnin)
"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." (Phyllis Diller)
"I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection." (Leonardo da Vinci)
"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." (William Arthur Ward)
"Peace begins with a smile." (Mother Teresa)
"If you smile when you are alone, then you really mean it." (Andy Rooney)
"The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief." (William Shakespeare)
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been." (Mark Twain)
Etymology
The word "smile" comes from ancient roots! It can be traced back to a very old word, *smey-, from a language called Proto-Indo-European. This ancient word meant "to laugh, be glad, or wonder."
As languages evolved, this root *smey- made its way into different branches. In Old Norse, a language spoken by Vikings, it became *smíla, meaning "to smile." From there, it traveled into Middle English as "smilen" around the year 1300.
So, the first known use of "smile" as a verb, meaning "to assume a facial expression or change of features indicative of amusement and pleasure," appeared in Middle English, dating back to before 1300. The noun form of "smile" (the expression itself) came a bit later, around the mid-1500s.
Interestingly, "smile" eventually took over from an older Old English word, "smearcian," which is where our modern word "smirk" comes from. Over time, "smile" became the more general and pleasant way to describe the expression, while "smirk" took on a more specific, sometimes unpleasant, meaning.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Smile
Smile from ear to ear: To smile very broadly, showing great happiness.
Wipe the smile off someone's face: To suddenly make someone unhappy or humble them, often after they have been arrogant or smug.
Put a smile on someone's face: To make someone happy.
Smile through tears: To try to appear happy or brave despite being sad or upset.
A Cheshire cat smile: A broad, often mysterious or knowing smile that seems to remain even when the rest of the face disappears (like the character in Alice in Wonderland).
Smile and wave: To maintain a pleasant demeanor and acknowledge people, often when feeling stressed or needing to appear composed.
With a smile and a nod: Agreeing or acknowledging something pleasantly and without much fuss.
Fortune smiles on someone: To have good luck or good things happen to one.
Grin and bear it: To accept a difficult or unpleasant situation without complaining. (Uses a synonym, "grin," for similar effect).
A wry smile: A twisted or lopsided smile, often indicating amusement, irony, or slight discomfort.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of smile from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
