Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Smile?

\Smile\ (sm[imac]l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Smiled} (sm[imac]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Smiling}.] [OE. smilen; akin to Dan. smile, Sw. smila, MHG. smielen, smieren, L. mirari to wonder at, Skr. smi to smile; and probably to E. smicker. [root]173. Cf. {Admire}, {Marvel}, {Smirk}.] 1. To express amusement, pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness, by the features of the face; to laugh silently. He doth nothing but frown. . . . He hears merry tales and smiles not. --Shak. She smiled to see the doughty hero slain. --Pope. When last I saw thy young blue eyes, they smiled. --Byron. 2. 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. 3. To look gay and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smiling plenty. The desert smiled, And paradise was opened in the wild. --Pope. 4. To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance; -- often with on; as, to smile on one's labors.
\Smile\, v. t. 1. To express by a smile; as, to smile consent; to smile a welcome to visitors. 2. To affect in a certain way with a smile. [R.] And sharply smile prevailing folly dead. --Young.
\Smile\, n. [CF. Dan. smiil, Sw. smil. See {Smile}, v. i.] 1. 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. 2. A somewhat similar expression of countenance, indicative of satisfaction combined with malevolent feelings, as contempt, scorn, etc; as, a scornful smile. 3. Favor; countenance; propitiousness; as, the smiles of Providence. ``The smile of heaven.'' --Shak. 4. Gay or joyous appearance; as, the smiles of spring. The brightness of their [the flowers'] smile was gone. --Bryant.