See Also: smile(medicine)
smile(1)(dictionary)
smile(2)(dictionary)
smile 1, verb(dictionary)
smile 2, noun(dictionary)

smile(2) (iou)



smile verb. ME.
[Perh. of Scandinavian origin (cf. Swedish smila, Danish smile); parallel to Old High German (in pres. pple smilenter), Middle High German smielen, from base also of SMIRK verb.]
I. verb intrans.
a. Of a person: assume an expression of pleasure, amusement, affection, or scepticism, or a forced imitation of these, by turning up the corners of the mouth. ME.
come up smiling: see COME verb. I should smile colloq.: expr. ridicule at an idea.
Times Miss Rewis's victory gave her plenty to smile about. U. Holden She went on admiring her hair, smiling to herself. fig.: Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona Inward joy enforc'd my heart to smile!
b. Of the eyes: express pleasure, amusement, or affection. M18.
a. Look at, on, or upon with a smile or pleasant expression. Also foll. by adverbs. LME.
E. O'Neill She smiles down at Jim, her face softening. I. Murdoch He smiled at Ludens in a polite and friendly manner.
b. Regard with favour, approval, or encouragement. Foll. by on, upon. Chiefly fig. LME.
Bosworth Smith Circumstances..seemed to smile on the project.
Of a physical feature etc.: have or present a pleasing aspect. poet. LME.
Of wine, beer, etc.: be pleasantly smooth; sparkle. Long rare or obsolete. LME.
Have a drink. US slang. M19.
II. verb trans.
Bring into a specified state or position by smiling; esp. get rid of or drive away by smiling. L16.
Treat with contempt; deride, laugh at. rare (Shakes.). Only in E17.
a. Indicate or express by smiling; grant with a smile; say while smiling. M17.
W. Soyinka He could afford to smile his benediction on the orchestra.
b. Give (a smile). M19.
W. Trevor Her mother smiled a slanting smile.
smileable adjective (rare) at which one may smile M19.
smiler noun LME.