Grin /Smile

Grin /Smile
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Grin /Smile
Message from emilie32 posted on 09-12-2020 at 19:58:34 (D | E | F)
Hello!

I would like to know the difference between the verbs "grin" and "smile" and have some clarifications on their meaning.
I would also like to know in what context I can use each word.
Thanks in advance!

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Edited by lucile83 on 09-12-2020 21:27
Grey

Re: Grin /Smile from gerondif, posted on 09-12-2020 at 23:13:26 (D | E)
Hello
to smile is usually a friendly verb whereas to grin implies that you have caught somebody red-handed, that you find his situation embarrassing for him or have power over him, or make fun of him for something he did, or are happy to be right about what you were supposing about him...
to grin can mean to smile mischieviously.

Re: Grin /Smile from hattrick, posted on 11-12-2020 at 17:24:39 (D | E)
Hello,
Smile
People smile when they are pleased or amused, or when they are being friendly.

‘Smile’ has positive connotations.
e.g. Come in, love, I said smiling.

But, the meaning of ’smile’ can be modified by adverbs or adjectives with negative connotations!
e.g. You surely know what I mean, he said smiling wryly.

Grin
When you grin, you smile broadly.

‘Grin’ has negative connotations most of the time, but can also have positive connotations, depending on context.

Negative connotation
e.g. He was grinning at me with poisonous good cheer, the moron!

Positive connotation
e.g. He grins, delighted at the memory of his holidays in the Bahamas.

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