I. ˈsmī(-ə) verb
( smiled ; smil·ing )
Etymology: Middle English; akin to Old English smerian to laugh, Sanskrit smayate he smiles
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to have, produce, or exhibit a smile
2.
a. : to look or regard with amusement or ridicule
smiled at his own folly — Martin Gardner
b. : to bestow approval
feeling that Heaven smiled on his labors — Sheila Rowlands
c. : to appear pleasant or agreeable
transitive verb
1. : to affect with or by smiling
2. : to express by a smile
• smil·er noun
• smil·ing·ly ˈsmī-liŋ-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a facial expression in which the eyes brighten and the corners of the mouth curve slightly upward and which expresses especially amusement, pleasure, approval, or sometimes scorn
2. : a pleasant or encouraging appearance
• smile·less ˈsmī(-ə)l-ləs adjective