Vocabulary Exercise #13: Synonyms of "To Smile"

Communicative Objective: Describing Smiling

Context: Human Behavior

Part 1, Speaking: The words listed below are all synonyms of the verb “to smile.” Each varies slightly from the others in meaning and use. Discuss the definition and application of each word.

1.   beam: (verb) to smile very happily  

            Example: She beamed as brightly as the sun at the compliment.

2.   glow: (verb) to innocently smile   

Example: My daughter glows when she is asleep.

3.   grin: (verb) to smile, usually slightly     

            Example: As the saying goes, “Just grin and bear it.”

4.   smirk: (verb) to smile in a condescending manner     

            Example: Wipe that smirk off your face!

5.   sneer: (verb) to smile in an angry manner     

            Example: He sneered at the fallen enemy.

Part 2, Reading:

     The human smiling reflex has evolved over time for different purposes in a variety of contexts. 

     Smiling, of course, usually indicates happiness.  Children positively _____ upon receiving the birthday presents they had long had their hearts set on, for example.

     It may be artificial, used as a polite gesture in business, especially service, contexts. A good example can be found in the wan _____ of flight attendants.

     Smiling is inviting, from the _____ of children which lends itself to developing caring relationships, to sexual signals in adults which initiate mating.

     Finally, smiling bares the teeth and, as such, can be used in a threatening manner. It is common, then, _____ while arguing or _____ while mocking.

© James Doyle, 2013

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Answers: 
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