Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tight-smile

noun

/taɪt smaɪl/

Definition

A smile that is constrained or shows a lack of warmth and sincerity, often indicating discomfort or tension.

Examples

She greeted him with a tight-smile, masking her real feelings about the situation.
His tight-smile during the meeting made everyone wonder if he was actually happy with the decisions being made.
Even though he tried to comfort her, his tight-smile revealed his own apprehension.

Meaning

A tight-smile typically suggests that a person is trying to appear friendly but is feeling uneasy or unwelcoming. It is often characterized by the lips being pressed together rather than fully curved in a genuine smile.