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Glite Dictionary
to give a little smile

to give a little smile

3.0
A small gentle smile that shows quiet happiness or approval
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : sonreír levemente
  • When she heard the compliment, she couldn't help but give a little smile.

Examples

  • As the funny story unfolded, he would occasionally give a little smile to show he appreciated it.

  • She must have spotted me, for she gave a little smile and then leaned in to say something to Awajiumi, who looked in our direction.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Can you give a little smile for him?

    The Brutalist (2024)

  • Give a little smile.

    Single White Female 2: The Psycho (2005)

  • She gave a little smile that was half crafty, half embarrassed.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • After receiving the kind gesture, I was quick to give a little smile in gratitude.

Synonyms

to smile
vsto give a little smile
∞ 1.0

To turn the corners of your mouth up to show happiness or friendliness

is a brief gentle expression showing modest or reserved reaction

Antonyms

frown
54 1.0

A facial expression with the eyebrows pushed together showing dislike or worry

to scowl
33 4.1

To give an angry look to show you do not like something

How Wide

to beam
38 2.0
to grin
132 1.0
to smile
∞ 1.0
to give a little smile
3.0

Surface Forms

give a little smile infinitive
gave a little smile past
given a little smile past participle
giving a little smile present participle
gives a little smile third person singular

Morphology

give + a + little + smile

The meaning 'to smile briefly or gently' is directly compositional from 'give' (produce/offer) + 'a little' (to a small degree) + 'smile' (a smiling expression). This verb + noun/light-verb construction is a common, predictable pattern (e.g. 'give a smile', 'give a nod') and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Give a little smile uses give, little, and smile to create the image of offering a tiny smile like a small friendly gift, so this small movement means 'to show a modest or quiet reaction'.