Word Direct Answers

What does "smile" mean?

Smile: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance; -- often with on; as, to smile on one's labors.
  3. 4.To express by a smile; as, to smile consent; to smile a welcome to visitors.
  4. 5.To affect in a certain way with a smile. [R.] And sharply smile prevailing folly dead. Young.
  5. 6.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.
  6. 7.A somewhat similar expression of countenance, indicative of satisfaction combined with malevolent feelings, as contempt, scorn, etc; as, a scornful smile.
  7. 8.Favor; countenance; propitiousness; as, the smiles of Providence. "The smile of heaven." Shak.
  8. 9.Gay or joyous appearance; as, the smiles of spring. The brightness of their [the flowers'] smile was gone. Bryant.

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