WordGarden.iounsmilingly
C2Pronunciation
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Meanings
Adverb
without smiling or in a serious-faced way
Beyond the definition
Imagine a statue, perfectly shaped but with no sign of joy in its face. That is the feeling this word suggests. It describes doing something without a smile, often showing seriousness, disapproval, or a lack of warmth. A guard might check your ticket this way, showing no friendliness. A teacher might correct your work this way too, focused on what is right rather than on praise. It does not always mean the person is unhappy; it simply means the lack of a smile stands out during the moment. Think of it as a neutral or slightly negative way to describe how someone acts while doing something.
"Unsmilingly" is an adverb that paints a picture of an action performed without a trace of a smile. It is more than just the act of not smiling; it suggests a deliberate lack of warmth, often hinting at seriousness, formality, or even disapproval. While someone might be perfectly pleasant but simply not inclined to smile in a given moment, "unsmilingly" implies that the absence of a smile is noticeable and perhaps intentional.
Consider a scene: A stern librarian returns an overdue book unsmilingly. This does not necessarily mean she is angry, but her lack of a smile emphasizes her adherence to library rules and the gravity of the situation. Or picture a detective questioning a suspect unsmilingly. It creates an atmosphere of tension and professional distance.
The word is often used to describe facial expressions during social interactions or when someone is focused on a specific task. It is a subtle way to convey mood and attitude without explicitly stating emotions. You would rarely say someone "walked happily and unsmilingly," as the two concepts are generally at odds in a narrative context.
While "unsmilingly" is not the most common word in everyday conversation, it adds significant nuance and detail when you want to precisely describe a lack of warmth or joy in someone's expression. It is a small detail that can significantly impact how a scene or character is perceived by the reader.
Examples
- 1
Strict authority
The guard looked at us unsmilingly and asked for our tickets.
- 2
Stern command
"Sit down," she said unsmilingly, and the room went quiet.
- Usage
more common in writing than in everyday conversation
- 3
Reluctant forgiveness
He accepted the apology unsmilingly, as if he still wasn't ready to forgive her.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- impassively
- solemnly
- with a straight face
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- said unsmilingly
- looked at someone unsmilingly
- answered unsmilingly
Word family
Explore
- facial expression
- deadpan delivery
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsmilinglyadverb