smile

A facial expression with the corners of your mouth raised, often showing happiness or friendliness.

• She gave me a smile.
• His face broke into a broad smile.
• Why have you got such a big smile today?

How to use it: a smile on someone’s face (There was a smile on her face.); give someone a smile (He gave the child a smile.)

Similar words: grin

Opposites: frown

Common phrases: big smile, warm smile, give a smile, smile on someone's face

Support or kindness from a powerful person, a god, or luck.

• He hoped for the smile of fortune.
• The poet imagined the smile of heaven upon their journey.
• Her service earned her a royal smile of approval.

How to use it: the smile of someone/something (They hoped for the smile of fortune.)

Similar words: favour, blessing

Opposites: disfavour

Common phrases: smile of fortune, smile of heaven, royal smile

To raise the corners of your mouth because you are happy or want to be friendly.

• She smiled at me.
• Please smile for the camera.
• He was smiling as he opened the gift.

How to use it: smile at someone/something (The baby smiled at her father.)

Similar words: beam, grin

Opposites: frown

Common phrases: smile at someone, smile broadly, smile for something, smile happily

To show a feeling or message through a happy or friendly expression on your face.

• She smiled a welcome.
• He smiled his approval of our choice.
• The hostess smiled her thanks to the guests.

How to use it: smile something (She smiled her thanks as he held the door.)

Common phrases: smile a welcome, smile your thanks, smile approval