Pronunciation: /smɜːrk/

Definitions of smirk

noun a smile expressing smugness or scorn

Example Sentences

A1 She gave a small smirk when she won the game.

A2 He couldn't help but smirk at his friend's joke.

B1 The teacher's smirk showed that she was pleased with the students' progress.

B2 His smirk indicated that he knew more than he was letting on.

C1 The politician's smirk during the debate did not sit well with the audience.

C2 Her subtle smirk revealed a hint of mischief in her eyes.

verb to smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way

Example Sentences

A1 She smirked when she saw the puppy playing in the park.

A2 He smirked at his friend's joke, finding it quite amusing.

B1 The teacher smirked as she caught the students passing notes in class.

B2 The politician smirked during the debate, confident in his argument.

C1 The detective smirked as he revealed the identity of the true culprit.

C2 The villain smirked as he executed his evil plan, reveling in his success.

Examples of smirk in a Sentence

formal He couldn't help but smirk at the clever solution presented during the meeting.

informal When she saw her friend trip over the curb, she couldn't help but smirk.

slang The student smirked when he saw his ex-girlfriend walk by with her new boyfriend.

figurative The villain's smirk revealed his evil intentions to the hero.

Grammatical Forms of smirk

past tense

smirked

plural

smirks

comparative

more smirky

superlative

most smirky

present tense

smirks

future tense

will smirk

perfect tense

have smirked

continuous tense

is smirking

singular

smirk

positive degree

smirk

infinitive

to smirk

gerund

smirking

participle

smirking

Origin and Evolution of smirk

First Known Use: 1548 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'smirk' originated from the Middle English word 'smirken', which is believed to have roots in the Old English 'smeorcan' meaning to smile or look scornful.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a smug or scornful smile, the word 'smirk' has evolved to also convey a sense of amusement or slyness in modern usage.