smile
UK[smaɪl]US[smaɪl]
v
to make the corners of your mouth turn upwards in order to show that you are happy, amused, friendly, etc.
n
an expression on your face in which the corners of your mouth turn upwards, showing happiness, amusement, friendliness, etc.
Etymology
the word 'smile' entered middle english from the old norse 'smila', meaning 'to smile'. this norse term is related to the middle low german 'smilen' and the swedish 'smila'. its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is thought to be of proto-germanic derivation, possibly imitative in nature, reflecting the physical act. the word gradually displaced the old english term for smile, 'smercian', which evolved into the modern english 'smirk', demonstrating a semantic narrowing. the journey from a potential imitative origin to its specific modern meaning illustrates how a simple, universal human expression found a stable linguistic form in english.
Analysis
the word 'smile' is a simplex word of germanic origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she gave a warm smile to the visitor.
he couldn't help but smile at the memory.
her smile lit up the entire room.