To smile means to move your face so you look happy or friendly. People smile to show good feelings or kindness.
I smile when I am happy.
She smiled at her friend happily.
Sometimes people smile softly to show they are polite or to hide their true thoughts. It is not a big happy smile but a quiet, respectful one.
He gave a small smile and said thanks.
She smiled politely but said nothing.
A smile can sometimes mean someone is being ironic or sarcastic. This smile is not happy but shows a secret or not kind feeling.
He had a strange smile on his face.
Her smile showed she did not believe him.
In a more figurative way, smile means a small sign or look of something good or hopeful. It is not a real smile but a way to talk about feelings or light.
A smile of sunshine broke through the clouds.
There was a smile of hope in his eyes.
To smile can mean to make a happy face without really feeling happy. People do this to hide their true feelings or to act polite.
He smiled but did not mean it.
She smiled to hide her anger.
In art or photos, a smile can be created or posed on purpose to look good or fit the picture. It may not always be natural but made for a role or scene.
The photo shows her perfect smile.
He practiced his smile for the picture.
