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Smiled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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smiled

[smaษชld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

facial expression

To smile is to make a facial expression showing pleasure, amusement, or kindness, typically by turning up the corners of the mouth. Smiling often conveys warmth and friendliness and can also indicate agreement or understanding. It is a universal way of expressing happiness across cultures, though the context and reasons for smiling may vary. Smiling has positive effects on both the person smiling and those around them, as it promotes social bonding and can elevate mood.

Synonyms

beamed, grinned, smiled broadly, smirked.

Examples of usage

  • She smiled at the child playing in the park.
  • He smiled when he heard the good news.
  • They exchanged smiles during the conversation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that smiling can actually improve your mood due to the release of feel-good chemicals called endorphins.
  • Smiling can be contagious; seeing someone smile can trigger others to smile in response, promoting social bonding.
  • Studies indicate that even fake smiles can enhance mood and reduce stress, proving the power of a simple grin.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a smile is a universal sign of friendliness and goodwill, regardless of language or background.
  • Some cultures might interpret a smile differently; in some contexts, it can be a sign of nervousness or discomfort.
  • The famous 'Mona Lisa' painting features a smile that has intrigued viewers for centuries, symbolizing the mystery of human emotion.

Pop Culture

  • 'The Smile' is also the name of a popular band featuring members of Radiohead, showcasing how smiles are connected to music.
  • In film and literature, a character's smile often foreshadows kindness or deceit, emphasizing its emotional weight.
  • The phrase 'smile for the camera' reflects the importance of smiling in photography, capturing moments of happiness.

Science

  • Studies in facial expression show that a genuine smile, known as a Duchenne smile, involves not just the mouth but also the eyes.
  • Cognitive scientists note that smiling may have evolved as a social tool to foster connections and convey trust among groups.
  • In animals, the display of teeth can indicate different emotions, parallel to human smiles that can express contentment, friendliness, or aggression.

Origin of 'smiled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'smiled' comes from the Old English word 'smฤซel,' which means to 'smirk' or 'laugh quietly.'
  • In various languages, the verb for smiling often contains similar roots, showing its universal nature.
  • The suffix '-ed' indicates it's a past action, showing that someone has already smiled.

The word 'smiled' is the past tense of 'smile,' which has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'smฤซlฤ,' meaning 'to smile.' This Old English term is linked to several Germanic languages, highlighting a shared linguistic heritage. For instance, the Old High German 'smilลn' and the Old Norse 'smรญla' also conveyed similar meanings. The notion of smiling as a demonstration of emotion has been prevalent throughout human history. It is often associated with social interaction and serves a vital role in nonverbal communication, conveying feelings of joy, acceptance, or friendliness. Over time, the word has evolved but retained its fundamental connection to expressing happiness or pleasure.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,781, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.