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Simper: meaning, definitions and examples

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simper

 

[ ˈsɪmpər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

facial expression

To simper means to smile in a coy, self-conscious, or affectedly ingratiating manner. This kind of smile is often associated with timidity or a lack of sincerity.

Synonyms

giggle, grin, smirk.

Examples of usage

  • She simpered at the compliment, clearly flattered but unsure how to respond.
  • The actor simpered through the interview, trying to appear charming.
  • He simpered nervously when he realized everyone was watching him.

Translations

Translations of the word "simper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sorrir de maneira tola

🇮🇳 मुस्कुराना

🇩🇪 dumm lächeln

🇮🇩 tersenyum bodoh

🇺🇦 сміятися дурнувато

🇵🇱 uśmiechać się głupio

🇯🇵 無邪気に微笑む

🇫🇷 sourire bêtement

🇪🇸 sonreír tontamente

🇹🇷 saçma bir şekilde gülümsemek

🇰🇷 어리석게 웃다

🇸🇦 يبتسم بغباء

🇨🇿 hloupě se usmívat

🇸🇰 hlúpo sa usmievať

🇨🇳 傻笑

🇸🇮 neumno se smejati

🇮🇸 fyndast að hlæja heimskulega

🇰🇿 ақылсыз күлу

🇬🇪 ბრიყვულად სიცილი

🇦🇿 beyinsiz gülmək

🇲🇽 sonreír tontamente

Etymology

The term 'simper' has its roots in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'simperen,' which likely stems from a combination of the Middle Dutch word 'simperen,' meaning to laugh or giggle, and the Old English word 'symphonia,' associated with sounds or music. The evolution of the word ties closely with expressions of soft humor or mockery, gradually transitioning into a reference for a specific type of smile characterized by its coyness and insincerity. By the mid-17th century, 'simper' was frequently used in literature to describe a particular demeanor or attitude that was seen as affecting a charm that was not entirely genuine, often employing the smile as a focal point of this behavior. The relevancy of the term remains, as it effectively captures the nuance of expressions that signal both playfulness and subtext of disingenuousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,273, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.