amiable smiles

USAGE SUMMARY

"amiable smiles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pleasant expression that someone is wearing. For example, "The children were greeted by their teacher with amiable smiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What anguished pity I used to feel for piñatas at birthday parties, those papier-mâché donkeys with their amiable smiles about to be shattered by little brutes with bats.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dierkes dropped his long chin in an amiable smile.

The New Yorker

He walked the fairways with an amiable smile on his face.

The New York Times - Sports

Her short hair was dyed a light brown, her broad face wreathed in an amiable smile.

The New Yorker

Jungr gives me an amiable smile which indicates that she's more than happy to keep this up for as long as I like.

Independent

Despite a history of intolerance and brutality, Turabi often cut an avuncular figure, with his distinctive white turban, scholastic spectacles, amiable smile and ever-present chuckle.

The Guardian

His amiable smile and one twinkling eye convinced me he was a Bond villain scouting for a base from which to plot ruling the world.

The Guardian - Travel

He really does exude a palpable stillness, responding to questions with several seconds' thought before speaking; his standard expression is an amiable smile.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Taylor — a tall, gray-haired fellow with an amiable smile — is California's legislative analyst, head of an independent, nonpartisan office that is charged with taking a hard look at what are often soft numbers in the state's chronically troubled budget.

The New York Times

I must learn to count to three before responding to a question or suggestion to show I'm thinking, to use silence to defuse situations and to spend 20% of my working day networking, to be "moderate" in my choice of clothes and body language, develop an "amiable smile", keep calm, recognise emotions in myself and others but not be "sentimental".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Beneath the amiable, smiling demeanor is a man who understands and handles risks," says Ho Kwon Ping, an SIA director and head of the Banyan Tree resort chain.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "amiable smiles" to describe a person whose smiles are genuinely friendly and welcoming. It suggests a warmth and pleasantness that goes beyond a mere polite gesture.

Common error

While "amiable" is generally positive, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing where more precise descriptors of emotion or character might be more appropriate. Consider synonyms or more specific adjectives to provide greater nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "amiable smiles" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "amiable" modifies the noun "smiles", indicating the quality of being friendly and pleasant. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase enhances the description of a person's demeanor.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "amiable smiles" is a descriptive phrase used to portray a positive and welcoming attitude, indicating genuine friendliness and pleasantness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of warmth and approachability, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. Consider related phrases like "friendly grins" or "warm smiles" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affable smiles

Replaces "amiable" with a synonym that also describes friendliness and ease of communication.

warm smiles

Highlights the emotional quality of the smile, emphasizing sincerity and friendliness.

kind smiles

Focuses on the benevolent and compassionate nature conveyed through the smile.

friendly grins

Focuses on the action of grinning, emphasizing the broadness and cheerfulness of the smile.

agreeable smiles

Similar to amiable, but might imply more of a willingness to please or comply.

good-natured smiles

Highlights the inherent positive attitude reflected in the smile.

welcoming smiles

Emphasizes the smile's function in making someone feel comfortable and accepted.

genial smiles

Implies a cheerful and good-natured disposition, often used in more formal contexts.

pleasant expressions

Replaces the specific action with a more general term of facial demeanor, suitable if the nature of the smile is less pronounced.

cordial smiles

Highlights the politeness and sincerity of the smile, suitable for professional or formal settings.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "amiable smiles" in a sentence?

Use "amiable smiles" to illustrate a character's friendly and approachable nature. For example, "The host greeted the guests with amiable smiles, making them feel instantly at ease."

What are some alternatives to "amiable smiles" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "friendly grins", "warm smiles", or "welcoming smiles" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "amiable smiles" and "friendly smiles"?

"Amiable smiles" suggests a deeper sense of warmth and genuine friendliness, while "friendly smiles" is a more general term for a pleasant expression.

When is it appropriate to use "amiable smiles" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the sincerity and pleasantness of someone's smile, implying a good-natured and agreeable personality.