smirk
gb/smˈɚk/ us/smˈɚk/
B1
English
~ 700
önelégülten vigyorog, gúnyosan mosolyog, önelégült vigyor, gúnyos mosoly
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to smirk at [someone/something]
She smirked when she heard her rival had failed the test.
Önelégülten elvigyorodott, amikor meghallotta, hogy a riválisa megbukott a teszten.
He smirked at my mistake, clearly enjoying it.
Önelégülten vigyorgott a hibámon, láthatóan élvezte.
The politician smirked as he delivered the cutting remark.
I saw him smirk when the teacher got the answer wrong.
She tried not to smirk during the awkward silence.
Learner examples
He smirked when I dropped my pen.
Önelégülten elvigyorodott, amikor elejtettem a tollamat.
She smirked at me after she won.
Önelégülten rám vigyorgott, miután nyert.
The boy smirked when the teacher made a mistake.
I saw her smirk when he fell.
He smirked at the joke.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'smirk' with a friendly smile; however, 'smirk' usually has a negative or mocking feeling.
Meaning
To smile smugly or mockingly
Collocations
smirk at
|smirk knowingly
|smirk slightly
|try not to smirk
Synonyms
sneer (Often more openly contemptuous or scornful than 'smirk'.)
|
grin ('Grin' is broader and can be friendly, while 'smirk' suggests smugness or mockery.)
Antonyms
beam (A broad, genuine smile that shows happiness rather than smugness.)
|
frown (An expression showing displeasure or sadness, opposite to smiling.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|body language
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To smile in a way that looks proud, pleased with yourself, or as if you are making fun of someone.
To smile in a way that shows smugness, self-satisfaction, or mild amusement at someone else's expense.
NOUN
B1
2
He gave me a smug little smirk before walking away.
Önelégült kis vigyort vetett rám, mielőtt elsétált.
Her smirk told me she already knew the answer.
Az önelégült vigyora elárulta, hogy már tudja a választ.
I recognized his trademark smirk from across the room.
The smirk on his face made me angry.
She tried to hide her smirk behind her hand.
Learner examples
He gave me a smirk.
Önelégült vigyort vetett rám.
I saw her smirk when I fell.
Láttam az önelégült vigyorát, amikor elestem.
The man had a smirk on his face.
She tried to hide her smirk.
His smirk made me upset.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'smirk' with 'smile'; remember that 'smirk' suggests pride or making fun of someone.
Meaning
A smug or mocking smile
Collocations
give a smirk
|wear a smirk
|with a smirk
|hide a smirk
Synonyms
sneer (A facial expression showing contempt, sometimes including a curl of the lip.)
|
grin (Can be friendly or mocking; 'smirk' is more often negative.)
Antonyms
beam (A big, happy smile without mockery.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|body language
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A smile that looks proud or like you are making fun of someone.
A facial expression in which the corners of the mouth turn up in a smug, self-satisfied, or mocking way.
Grammar
Dictionary form
smirk
IPA
GB/smˈɚk/
US/smˈɚk/
Syllables & stress
smirk (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (smirk)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: smirk
- Plural: smirks
Verb
- Base: smirk
- 3rd Person Singular: smirks
- Present Participle: smirking
- Past: smirked
Word family
Forms
smirks
noun
smirking
verb
smirked
verb
Expressions
wipe the smirk off someone's face
1/wˈaɪp ðə smˈɚk ˈɔf sˈʌmwˌʌnz fˈeɪs/
idiom
informal
Remove someone's smug look
To make someone lose their proud or mocking smile, often by proving them wrong or defeating them.
Examples
- The victory wiped the smirk off his face.
- Her quick reply wiped the smirk off his face.
with a smirk
1/wˈɪθ ə smˈɚk/
fixed phrase
Accompanied by a smug smile
Having a proud or mocking smile while doing something.
Examples
- He spoke with a smirk, making everyone uncomfortable.
- She handed me the paper with a smirk.