What does smile mean?
To smile is to raise the corners of the mouth in an expression commonly associated with happiness, friendliness, amusement, reassurance, or politeness. The verb can describe both the physical movement and the social message it communicates, as in smiling at a stranger or smiling in response to good news. As a noun, a smile refers to the expression itself and may be described as warm, genuine, broad, faint, or forced. These modifiers show that a smile need not always indicate uncomplicated happiness: it can be awkward, sarcastic, tense, or deliberately reassuring. The word is widely used in British and American English and can also be applied more broadly to places or appearances that seem cheerful. Its simplicity makes it especially useful for describing small gestures that establish warmth, ease tension, or signal a positive attitude.
A facial expression formed by raising the corners of the mouth, usually to convey pleasure, friendliness, amusement, reassurance, or politeness.
"The teacher greeted the class with a smile."
Common modifiers include warm, genuine, broad, faint, and forced, indicating that a smile can communicate several different social or emotional nuances.
To raise the corners of the mouth in a pleasant expression, especially as a sign of friendliness, happiness, amusement, or reassurance.
"He smiled at her and wished her a good day."
The phrase smile at someone may suggest friendliness or reassurance, but in a particular context it can also indicate mockery or dismissiveness.
Use the plural when referring to multiple smiles or to the expressions or greetings of several people.
"Her smiles brightened the room."
A smile can be such a small movement of the face that it changes the atmosphere of an entire room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smile
The verb comes from Old English smīlian, meaning to smile or show pleasure. It developed through Middle English and is related to cognates in other Germanic languages, including Danish smile and Swedish smila; German schmeicheln also developed from the same broad Proto-Germanic root but came to mean flatter or cajole. The modern form became established in its familiar sense of a pleasant facial expression during the medieval period.
Related word forms
How smile is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in everyday speech. Its emotional force can range from a sincere expression of warmth to a conventional or deliberately reassuring gesture; context and tone determine which reading is intended.
Easily confused with smile
A smile generally conveys friendliness, pleasure, or reassurance, whereas a smirk suggests amusement or satisfaction perceived as smug or mocking.