smirk
/smɜːk/ (bre, ipa) · [smˈɚk] /smɝːk/ (ame, ipa) · [smˈɚk] /ˈsmərk How to pronounce smirk (audio)/ (ame, mw) · [smˈɚk] /smɜːrk/ (ame, ipa)
smirk — noun
- smirksingular
- smirksplural
1. a small smile that shows you feel pleased with yourself, look down on someone, o
a small smile that shows you feel pleased with yourself, look down on someone, or think you know something embarrassing that other people do not know
A smirk spread across Vivek's face when he saw his rival trip.
pattern: a smirk spread across someone's face
The class noticed Noa's smirk after the teacher praised the wrong student.
Esme answered with a smirk, certain that nobody could prove her lie.
Aylin's smirk made the younger players feel foolish during practice.
The guard's smirk vanished when the manager asked for the camera footage.
- frown
an expression showing displeasure, worry, or concentration instead of pleased superiority
文法句型
a smirk on someone's face
with a smirk
hide a smirk
用法筆記
Usually used for an unfriendly or superior kind of smile, not a warm or happy one. It often suggests secret satisfaction, mockery, or pleasure at another person's mistake.
smirk — verb
- smirkpresent simple I / you / we / they
- smirkshe / she / it
- smirkedpast simple
- smirking-ing form
1. to give a small smile that shows self-satisfaction, secret pleasure, or mild con
to give a small smile that shows self-satisfaction, secret pleasure, or mild contempt, especially when you think you know more than someone else
Iker smirked when the interviewer repeated the answer he had coached.
pattern: smirk when + clause
Yuna smirked at the new clerk, already knowing where the missing file was.
pattern: smirk at someone
Pim smirked through the meeting, sure the others had missed the trap.
Amani smirked as Rodrigo searched everywhere for the hidden tickets.
Emily smirked during the debate after hearing her opponent repeat her mistake.
- frown
to show displeasure or concern rather than amused superiority
文法句型
smirk at someone
smirk when + clause
smirk as + clause
用法筆記
Often followed by at to show the target of the feeling. Unlike smile, smirk usually sounds critical or self-satisfied, so it is rarely used for genuinely friendly situations.