Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Displaying a smile: Having the facial expression in which the corners of the mouth turn upward, typically indicating pleasure, amusement, friendliness, or optimism.

2. Noun:

   • The action or instance of smiling: A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth, usually showing pleasure, amusement, or kindness.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • The smiling child waved at the camera. (The child who was smiling waved.)
  • She gave a smiling nod of approval. (Her nod was accompanied by a smile.)

• Noun:

  • Her constant smiling made everyone feel welcome. (The act of her smiling had that effect.)
  • A warm smiling can bridge many gaps. (A friendly smile can connect people.)

Advanced Usage

• "All-smiling": Used to describe someone who is consistently cheerful or a situation that is entirely positive.
  • He was his usual all-smiling self at the party.
• As a verbal noun (gerund), "smiling" functions as a noun derived from the verb "to smile".
  • Smiling is good for your health.

Variants and Related Words

• Smile (n/v): The base form. (e.g., / )
• Smiley (adj/informal n): Having a cheerful expression; or a symbol representing a smile (e.g., 🙂).
• Unsmiling (adj): Not smiling; serious.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Beaming, grinning, cheerful, happy.
• Noun: Smile, grin, beam.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Smiling from ear to ear: Smiling very broadly, showing great happiness.
  • When she won the prize, she was smiling from ear to ear.
• Smiling face: A common phrase to denote a person who is smiling or a friendly appearance.
  • Look for the smiling face at the information desk.

Adjective

1. smiling with happiness or optimism
   • Come to my arms, my beamish boy!- Lewis Carroll
   • a room of smiling faces
   • a round red twinkly Santa Claus

Noun

1. a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement