Main Difference
The main difference between Smirk and Smile is that the Smirk is a facial expression and Smile is a conscious or subconscious facial muscular movement conveying mirth or pleasure.
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Smirk
A smirk is a smile evoking insolence, scorn, or offensive smugness, falling into the category of what Desmond Morris described as Deformed-compliment Signals.A smirk may also be an affected, ingratiating smile, as in Mr Bennet’s description of Mr Wickham as making smirking love to all his new in-laws in the novel Pride and Prejudice.
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Smile
A smile is a facial expression formed primarily by flexing the muscles at the sides of the mouth. Some smiles include a contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes, an action known as a “Duchenne smile”. Smiles performed without the eye contraction may be perceived as insincere.
Among humans, smiling is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, joy or amusement. It is distinct from a similar but usually involuntary expression of anxiety known as a grimace. Although cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world, there are large differences among different cultures, with some using smiles to convey confusion or embarrassment.
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Smirk (noun)
an uneven, often crooked smile that is insolent, self-satisfied or scornful
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Smirk (noun)
a forced or affected smile; a simper
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Smirk (verb)
To smile in a way that is affected, smug, insolent or contemptuous.
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Smirk (adjective)
smart; spruce; affected; simpering
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Smile (noun)
A facial teeth, without vocalisation, and in humans is a common involuntary or voluntary expression of happiness, pleasure, amusement or anxiety.
“She’s got a perfect smile.”
“He has a sinister smile.”
“She had a smile on her face.”
“He always puts a smile on my face.”
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Smile (verb)
To have (a smile) on one’s face.
“When you smile, the whole world smiles with you.”
“I don’t know what he’s smiling about.”
“She smiles a beautiful smile.”
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Smile (verb)
To express by smiling.
“to smile consent, or a welcome”
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Smile (verb)
To express amusement, pleasure, or love and kindness.
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Smile (verb)
To look cheerful and joyous; to have an appearance suited to excite joy.
“The sun smiled down from a clear summer sky.”
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Smile (verb)
To be propitious or favourable; to countenance.
“The gods smiled on his labours.”
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Smirk (verb)
smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way
“he smirked in triumph”
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Smirk (noun)
a smug, conceited, or silly smile
“Gloria pursed her mouth in a self-satisfied smirk”