Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
half-smile
noun
/hæf smaɪl/
Definition
A slight or subtle smile that does not fully express happiness or joy.
Examples
- She greeted him with a half-smile, revealing her uncertainty about the situation.
- The comedian’s joke earned a half-smile from the audience, acknowledging the cleverness without roaring laughter.
- He offered a half-smile, as if to say, ‘I’m amused, but not fully convinced.’
Meaning
A half-smile often conveys a mix of emotions, such as irony, amusement, or a hint of sadness, rather than outright mirth.
Synonyms
- smirk
- half-grin
- wistful smile
