smilen.1
/smʌɪl/, U.S. /smaɪl/ 1.
a. An act of smiling; a slight and more or less involuntary movement of the countenance expressive of pleasure, amusement, affection, etc., or of amused contempt, disdain, incredulity, or similar emotion. Also in (to be) all smiles, i.e. wreathed in smiles.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > [noun] > a smile
smile1550
subrision1658
fleer1867
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > [noun] > grimace or distortion
mowc1330
mopa1475
mocks and mows1508
murgeons?a1513
face1533
smile1550
smilet1591
mump1592
ruffle1602
frown1608
stitcha1625
grimace1651
grimask1671
simagre1680
moppet1693
distortion1718
throw1790
rictus1827
mug1844
monkey-face1939
1550 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue (new ed.) ii. ix. sig. Fiiii Better is the last smile, than the first laughter.
1591 Nashe Pref. Sidney's Astr. & Stella in G. G. Smith Elizabethan Crit. Ess. (1904) II. 228 I will leaue you to..offer your smiles on the Aulters of Venus.
1621 F. Quarles Hadassa sig. D2v Where are thy maiden smiles? thy blushing cheeke?
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 239 This sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles . View more context for this quotation
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 383 Every Smile [is] waited for with impatience and envy'd by those that cannot obtain it.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho I. vii. 198 St. Aubert gave him a friendly smile for his compliment.
1843 G. Borrow Bible in Spain I. xiii. 267 The duke was all smiles and courtesy.
1875 L. H. Grindon Life (new ed.) xiv. 173 There are more smiles in the world than there are tears.
1916 G. B. Shaw Pygmalion iii. 154 Higgins:..Dont be nervous about it. Pitch it in strong. Clara (all smiles): I will. Good-bye.
b. transferred and figurative.
ΚΠ
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. B2 To see if the Continent were as full of smiles, as the seas were of fauours.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. iv. 184 Me thought I stood not in the smile of Heauen. View more context for this quotation
1726 J. Dyer Grongar Hill in New Misc. 86 Transient is the Smile of Fate!
1757 T. Gray Ode II ii. iii, in Odes 17 Fell Thirst and Famine scowl A baleful smile.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles v. vi. 181 The sun..Now tinged them with a parting smile.
1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous v, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. IV. 139 A knight, who..was poor in worldly goods, and in the smiles of fortune.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 19 Turn, Fortune, turn thy wheel with smile or frown.
c. Const. of (some quality, feeling, etc.).
ΚΠ
1779 Mirror No. 64 I discovered a smile of satisfaction in the countenances of most of the guests.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. xi. 397 He was surrounded with plenty, elegance and smiles of welcome.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality i, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 32 At this moment another smile of deep meaning passed between Dalzell and Claverhouse.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xx. 177 Beyond the first smile of recognition.
1859 Habits Good Society vii. 246 I never yet saw a smile of pity or sympathy on his face.
2. colloquial. A drink, esp. of whisky. Originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > a drink of
strong drink?1490
drink1535
whiff1605
tip1612
wet1719
swilla1731
booze1732
slug1756
whitter1786
intoxication1799
O (or oh) be joyful1823
sneezer1823
north-wester1830
drain1836
damp1837
smile1839
snifter1844
liquor1860
rosiner1871
tiddlywink1880
bevvy1889
gargle1889
snort1889
jolt1904
smahan1914
tincture1914
taste1919
piss1925
drinkie1947
smash1959
shant1960
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > distilled drink > whisky > [noun] > a drink of
smile1839
ball1866
Scotch1883
a drop of the Auld Kirk1884
1839 Spirit of Times 24 Aug. 294/3 We all agreed to take another smile.
1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) 420 Smile, a drink, dram.
1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat ii Harris..proposed that we should go out and have a smile.
a1892 G. H. Kingsley in M. H. Kingsley Mem. vi, in G. H. Kingsley Sport & Trav. (1900) 186 You just take a ‘smile’ of the real, old, blue-grass Bourbon.
Compounds
C1. smile-covering adj., smile-frowning adj., smile-peopled adj., smile-tuned adj., smile-wreathed adj. adjs.; smile-maker n.
ΚΠ
a1618 J. Sylvester Sonn. i, in Wks. (1880) II. 50 Eyes cloudy-clear, smile-frowning, stormy-calm.
1676 W. Wycherley Plain-dealer ii. i I cou'd not sit to a vain young Smile~maker tho' he flatter'd me.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xxxiv. 49 The tranquil strength which cradled lay In her smile-peopled rest.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 123 A consequent smile-covering frown from the young lady.
c1845 E. B. Browning Island xxv Yea, soon, no consonant unsmooth Our smile-tuned lips shall reach.
1895 in Westm. Gaz. 12 June 7/3 His sparkling eyes and smile~wreathed face telling of the zest with which the novelty was enjoyed.
C2. General attributive.
smile-line n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > skin > textures or states of skin > [noun] > wrinkle
rimpleeOE
rivellingOE
rivelc1325
crow's footc1374
frounce1390
wrinklea1400
frumplec1440
freckle1519
line1538
lirkc1540
shrivel1547
plait1574
furrow1589
trench1594
crowfoot1614
seam1765
thought-line1858
laughter line1867
laugh line1913
smile-line1921
worry lines1972
1921 W. de la Mare Mem. Midget xxiv. 158 I looked at his long, fair eyelashes and the smile-line on his cheek.
1977 New Yorker 19 Sept. 58/3 Firkusny is a tall, lithe, trim man with gray hair, blue eyes, and smile lines in his face which soften an almost austere handsomeness.
smile-wrinkle n.
ΚΠ
a1930 D. H. Lawrence Phoenix II (1968) 254 The smile-wrinkles on the fresh, pleased face, they give odd quivers.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1912; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
smilen.2
dialect.
(See quot. 1823.)
ΚΠ
1823 E. Moor Suffolk Words 368 Smile, the same, I believe, or nearly, as Smale; the form or fourm, or seat of a hare.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1912; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
smilev.
/smʌɪl/, U.S. /smaɪl/ I. intransitive.
1.
a. Of persons: To give to the features or face a look expressive of pleasure or amusement, or of amused disdain, scorn, etc.to smile in one's sleeve: see sleeve n. 2d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > smile [verb (intransitive)]
smirkc888
smilea1300
subride1623
to break a smile1796
beam1893
cheese1930
α.
β. 1599 N. Breton Miseries Mavillia in Wks. (1879) II. 49/1 And,..like an olde horses neyghing, would he be smoyling.1614 N. Breton I would, & would Not lxxix I would I were an honest Countrey-Wench, That only could make Curtsey, smoile, and blush.1864 Ld. Tennyson Northern Farmer: Old Style xiv, in Enoch Arden, etc. 135 Looäk 'ow quoloty smoiles when they sees ma a passin' boy.a1300 Cursor Mundi 2731 ‘Thar þe noght in hethyng smylle.’ Sco said, ‘for soth smild i noght’.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 185 Philip held him stille, & bigan to smyle.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 14 For with a goodly lok sche smyleth.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 241 So þis Cardinall smylid, & commendid hym for his gude tale.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 722/2 I smyle, I make a countenaunce towarde laughyng and laughe nat outryght, je me soubzris.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxviijv He..began to smile, and contempne theyr answere.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 714 The King preuilie smylit, Quhen he saw that bald.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. i. 50 Some that smile haue in their hearts I feare Millions of Mischeefes. View more context for this quotation
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xiii. 286 They..reprehended him very sharply if he smiled on those days.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 2. ⁋5 He can smile when one speaks to him, and laughs easily.
1754 J. Shebbeare Marriage Act II. lv. 122 She hung at Sir William's Arm smiling in his Face.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lvi. 510 He..would smile when George came down late for breakfast.
1898 J. Arch Story of Life xv. 357 Chamberlain was smiling all over his face.
b. transferred and figurative.
ΚΠ
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 sig. D3 In that I intreat you to vse her well. The world may smile againe and I may liue, To do you fauour if you do it her.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) i. ii. 63 When inward ioy enforc'd my heart to smile . View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 480 Then let me not let pass Occasion which now smiles, behold alone The Woman [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1748 T. Gray Ode Death Favourite Cat v, in R. Dodsley Coll. Poems II. 268 (Malignant fate sat by and smil'd).
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. vii. 217 Thy soothing strains the pensive heart beguile, And bid the visions of the future smile.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Mutability (1824) 1 The flower that smiles to-day To-morrow dies.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 110 Now indeed was the crisis of his fate at hand, every thing smiled.
c. In the slang phrase I should smile, used to ridicule an idea (chiefly U.S.). Also in phr. to come up smiling: see to come up smiling at come v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > expressions used in derision or ridicule [phrase]
scilicet1539
don't make me laugh1733
I should smile1883
how do you like them (also those) apples?1895
in your face1975
1883 C. H. Hoyt Bunch of Keys iii, in Five Plays (1944) 48 ‘Single room?’ ‘Well, I should smile.’
1889 ‘M. Twain’ Connecticut Yankee ix. 113 They actually wanted me to put in! Well, I should smile.
1891 Youth's Companion 138 Sing for nothing? Well I should smile!
d. Of eyes: to express pleasure, amusement, etc.
ΚΠ
1759 C. Wesley in J. Wesley & C. Wesley Funeral Hymns 2nd Ser. 37 Those laughing eyes shall smile no more.
a1889 G. M. Hopkins Poems (1967) 37 And May has come, hair-bound in flowers, With eyes that smile thro' the tears of the hours.
1938 D. Thomas in Seven Winter 17 She wept in her pain and made mouths, Talked and tore though her eyes smiled.
1940 W. Faulkner Hamlet iv. i. 289 His face changed—something fleeting, quizzical, but not smiling, his eyes did not smile.
2. in extended use.1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 499 In the spring time, the medowes arraied with pleasant fleures smile upon the beholders.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 124 When fair Morning first smiles on the World. View more context for this quotation1821 P. B. Shelley Adonais xxxii. 17 On the withering flower The killing sun smiles brightly.
a. To look on, upon, at, or to a person with a smile or pleasant expression. Also with adverbs, as back, down, over, up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > treat kindly [verb (transitive)] > regard with kindly feeling
smilec1385
smile1390
to shine upon1535
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 228 Achilles..upon himself to smyle Began, when he was so besein.
c1440 Bone Florence 1790 He at them can smyle.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos i. sig. A.iiij The maker of the Gods and men to her all swetely smyles.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. 73 b To smile upon euerie man, is rather a signe of a vaine minde, then of a cheerefull countenance.
1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Iliads i. 15 His Mother on him smil'd.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 69. ¶2 Sir Andrew, who often smiles upon me as he sees me bustling in the Crowd.
1749 T. Smollett tr. A. R. Le Sage Gil Blas IV. xii. xiii. 223 At these words of my god-daughter, I smiled to her father.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. xiv. 315 Ludovico smiled at Annette, and bowed to Emily.
1845 Punch 8 127 I've flattered Peel; he smiles back thanks... But still he keeps me in ‘the ranks’.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. viii. 141 Edward..smiled upon the little girl.
1859 A. J. Evans Beulah xx. 250 He smiled down into her tearful face.
1866 Mrs. C. J. Newby Common Sense II. 88 The cheerful rallying tone awoke something of the old pride in him, and he smiled up.
1889 R. L. Stevenson Master of Ballantrae iv. 111 How was he to smile back on the deceiver?
1896 F. A. Steel On Face of Waters ii. iii. 104 They had smiled on little Sonny Seymour as he passed them.
1905 E. M. Albanesi Brown Eyes of Mary iii. 38 She smiled up at him from under the white sunshade.
1908 Smart Set June 89/1 The girl pushed aside the screen and smiled over at her.
1949 A. Miller Death of Salesman 132 He's a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that's an earthquake.
1952 E. O'Neill Moon for Misbegotten i. 40 She smiles down at Jim, her face softening.
b. To look on or upon one with favour, approval, or encouragement. Frequently figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > favour > win favour with [verb (transitive)] > favour
to let well ofc1330
favour1340
to take, accept, receive in greec1374
likea1393
smilec1400
to take agreea1425
agreec1450
to fawn on, upon1477
to bear good mind toa1516
to look upon ——c1515
to look on ——1540
vouchsafe1582
conceit1589
relish1594
to look to ——1611
impatronize1629
aspect1663
sympathize1828
to put one's money on1847
c1400 Rom. Rose 4355 It is of Love, as of Fortune,..Which whylom wol on folke smyle, And gloumbe on hem another whyle.
1508 W. Dunbar Goldyn Targe (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems (1998) I. 190 Fair Calling did oft apon me smyle, And Cherising me fed wyth wordis fair.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III v. viii. 20 Smile heauen vpon this faire coniunction, That long haue frownd vpon their enmitie. View more context for this quotation
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 220 Yet was it [i.e. a palace] able to smile upon Alexander, when hee extracted thence to pay his Soldats.
c1657 W. Mure Hist. Rowallane in Wks. (1898) II. 250 At yt time the Court seemed to smill vpon him.
1709–10 Steele in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 345 My Lord Hallifax has smiled upon his labours.
a1771 T. Gray Ess. I in W. Mason Mem. Life & Writings (1775) 194 If equal Justice with unclouded face Smile not indulgent on the rising race.
1833 H. Martineau Tale of Tyne iii. 60 It is the duty of government to smile on undertakings which favour the industry of the people.
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 281 Circumstances..seemed to smile on the project.
c. To show by the features one's amusement (or pleasure) at something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)] > smile at
smilec1385
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > treat kindly [verb (transitive)] > regard with kindly feeling
smilec1385
smile1390
to shine upon1535
c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Ariadne. 2123 This lady smylith at his stedefastnesse.
c1480 (a1400) St. Mary of Egypt 509 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 311 Ȝone ȝonge man..at myn fule speke smylit in hy.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xii. l. 1384 Than Wallace smyld a litill at his langage.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 192 Our first finest Poets may smile at the verses of that time, as succeeding ages..will happly smile at theirs.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 3 Time it is when raging warre is come, To smile at scapes and perils ouerblowne. View more context for this quotation
1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 28 While he withdrawn at their mad Labour smiles.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 53 The Spaniard only smill'd at that, and made him no Answer.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xxxix. 51 Wherefore dost thou smile At what I say?
1879 Mrs. A. G. F. E. James Indian Househ. Managem. 60 Though they may smile inwardly at your ways,..they will never allow the smile to be outwardly seen.
3. Of physical features, things, etc.: To have or present an agreeable or pleasing aspect.Common in 18th cent. poetry.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > have pleasing appearance [verb (intransitive)]
becomec1300
smile1594
to look nice1793
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > be pleasant or enjoyable [verb (intransitive)]
likeeOE
pleasea1393
savoura1400
payc1400
savourc1440
relish1594
smile1594
1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia iv. ii O Faire Sunne, that gentlie smiles From the Orient-pearled Iles.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 165 Cheard with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles . View more context for this quotation
1703 N. Rowe Fair Penitent ii. i A better Order of succeeding Days Come smiling forward, white and lucky all.
1772 W. Jones Poems 32 Each meadow blossom'd, and each valley smil'd.
1807 W. Wordsworth Poems II. 142 A sea that could not cease to smile.
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 11 A country smiling with cornfields and gardens.
4. Of wine, beer, etc.: To sparkle. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > types or qualities of intoxicating liquor > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or froth
flowera1382
sparkle1671
smile1699
knit1743
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew at Mantles When Drink is brisk and smiles.
1721 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husb. (ed. 2) II. 325 It flushes violently out of the Cock..and then stops on a sudden, and pearls and smiles in a Glass like any bottled Beer.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2)
5. (U.S.) slang. To drink; to have or take a drink.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [verb (intransitive)] > drink intoxicating liquor
to wet (one's) whistle, weasand, mouth, beak, beardc1386
bibc1400
to kiss the cupa1420
drawa1500
refresh1644
mug1653
bub1654
jug1681
whiffle1693
dram1740
wet1783
to suck (also sup) the monkey1785
stimulate1800
lush1811
taste1823
liquor1839
oil1841
paint1853
irrigate1856
nip1858
smile1858
peg1874
gargle1889
shicker1906
stop1924
bevvy1934
1858 [implied in: 1858 in J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (1859) 420 There are many more fast boys about—some devoted to the sex—some to horses—some to ‘smiling’. (at smiling n. 2)].
1865 J. C. Hotten in ‘Artemus Ward’ His Book 18 (note) ‘Let us take a tod’ was formerly a common phrase. Recently, however, ‘To Kiss the Baby’ and to ‘Smile’ have taken its place.
1870 Daily News 7 Feb. This ‘gentleman’..asked me to ‘smile’. I had learned by experience that this is the slang phrase for ‘taking a drink’.
II. transitive.† 7. To treat with contempt or disdain; to deride, laugh at. Obsolete. rare.
6. in extended use.1827 T. Hood Hero & Leander xxviii, in Plea Midsummer Fairies & Other Poems 78 The drowsy world shone brighten'd in reply; And smiling off her fogs, his slanting beam [etc.].1936 R. Campbell Mithraic Emblems 52 It is the blossom in our blood With folded petals smiling out the sere, Brown, shuffled slippers of the limping year.
a. To bring or convert into a specified condition by smiling. Const. in, into, out of, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)] > bring into a condition by smiling
smile1598
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 465 Some Dick That smyles, his cheeke in yeeres. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xxi. 127 Thou doest looke like patience..smiling extremitie out of act. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. ii. 74 He does smile his face into more lynes, then is in the new Mappe. View more context for this quotation
1728 E. Young Love of Fame: Universal Passion (ed. 2) i. 46 What author shall we find..The courtly Roman's smiling path to tread, And sharply smile prevailing folly dead?
b. To dismiss, get rid of, drive away (something) with a smile or smiles; to while away (time), dry up (tears), in or by smiling. Also with down, out.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or overcome by smiling
smile1769
outsmile1775
the world > time > spending time > spend time or allow time to pass [verb (transitive)] > pleasantly
short1449
shorten1579
deceive1591
sport1593
delude1615
entreata1616
while1635
elude1660
divert1707
dangle1727
wile1796
smile1803
to round off1824
1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 224 The great ones of thy court have audaciously smiled away the gloom and horrors of guilt.
1792 S. Rogers Pleasures Mem. ii. 78 When sober Judgment has his throne resigned She smiles away the chaos of the mind.
1803 Visct. Strangford tr. L. V. de Camoens Poems 100 Those charming eyes, within whose starry sphere Love whilom sat, and smil'd the hours away.
c1850 E. B. Browning Hector & Andromache 102 She received him straight To her bosom's fragrance—smiling up her tears.
1861 G. Meredith Evan Harrington I. xi. 191 ‘Another!’ the hostess instantly smiled down the inhospitable outcry.
1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife i. iii A woman's reputation must not be smiled away.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > deride, ridicule, or mock [verb (transitive)] > laugh to scorn
laugheOE
laughOE
bilauhOE
to laugh to scorn (also bismer, hething, hoker)OE
to laugh or take to scorninga1400
deride1530
outlaugh1605
smile1608
arride1612
fleer1622
irride1637
haw-haw1862
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 80 A plague vpon your epeliptick Visage, smoyle you my speeches, as I were a foole? View more context for this quotation
8.
a. To answer or repeat by smiling.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)] > answer or repeat by smiling
smile1621
1621 G. Sandys tr. Ovid First Five Bks. Metamorphosis iii. 76 Thou smil'st my smiles: when I a teare let fall, Thou shedd'st an other.
b. To exhibit, indicate, or express by smiling; to grant, bestow, etc., with a smile; with direct speech as object, to say with a smile. Also figurative and with in (quot. 1860).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)] > express or bestow with a smile
smile1647
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > with a sneer, laugh, etc.
laugheOE
simper1567
sneer1693
titter1787
chuckle out1820
snigger1857
sniff1859
smile1860
smirk1879
1647 J. Hall Poems i. 29 Yet is it midnight still with me, Nay worse, unlesse that kinder she Smile Day.
1803 W. R. Spencer Year of Sorrow 46 Thy Susan..Smiled no sweet sunshine on thy closing day.
1814 Ld. Byron Lara ii. xvii. 1072 He..sadly smiles his thanks to that dark page.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xlvi. 423 They cannot be said to smile a welcome upon the navigator.
1860 C. J. Lever One of Them iii ‘The very remark I was about to make, my Lord,’ smiled in Mrs. Morris.
1880 Daily Tel. 21 Feb. She smiled disbelief.
1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland III. iii. ii. 35 ‘This is alarming,’ smiled the dean.
1887 M. Corelli Thelma i. xii ‘Yes, Britta!’ Thelma smiled; ‘we are quite ready!’
1902 H. James Wings of Dove xv. 231 ‘He won't..make up his mind about me.’ ‘Well,’ Milly smiled, ‘give him time.’
a1935 W. Holtby South Riding (1936) iii. iii. 175 ‘Well, Dolly, I hope you're looking after these young men,’ smiled Carne shyly.
1976 H. MacInnes Agent in Place xix. 208 ‘Not for me,’ Georges smiled.
c. With cognate object: To give (a smile, esp. one of a specified kind).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > give a smile [verb (transitive)]
smile1836
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) xxiii. 238 Mr. Weller junior smiled a filial smile.
1862 M. E. Braddon Lady Audley's Secret III. viii. 244 She smiled the queerest smile.
1868 A. Helps Realmah (1876) ii. 21 The Caliph smiled a grim smile.
Derivatives
ˈsmileable adj. at which one may smile.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [adjective] > comical
merryc1390
pleasant1553
comical1575
mowsome1596
zany1616
burlesque1656
humoursome1656
farce-like1681
foolish1691
farcical1715
amusive1727
farciful1731
funny1739
farcic1763
quizzical1785
quizzy1785
quizzish1792
rib-tickling1809
smileable1830
cocasse1868
priceless1907
skit1914
funny-ha-ha1916
gas1955
1830 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 28 893 All speak,..or smile, of all the speakable..and smileable little interesting affairs.
smiled adj. spoken or given with a smile; also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > smiling > [adjective] > characterized or accompanied by a smile
smiling1803
smiled1850
1850 W. C. Bennett Baby May in Poems 12 Tiny scorns of smiled reprovings That have more of love than lovings.
1892 C. E. Norton tr. Dante Divine Comedy III. i. 5 I was divested of my first doubt by these brief little smiled-out words.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1912; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.11550
n.21823v.a1300- the stamps
- the stannaries
- the stars
- the stars know etc
- the stars know how
- the stars know what
- the state of nature
- the steads
- the steels
- the steep
- the sterner alsobetter sex
- the sterner rougher sex
- the sterner sex
- the sterner stronger sex
- the sticks
- the sticks of fate
- the still sow eats all the draff
- the stink of powder
- the stocks
- the stocks market
- the story goes
- the story of one's life
- the straight
- the straight tip
- the straight wire