feign a smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feign a smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of pretending to smile, often to hide true feelings or emotions. Example: "Despite feeling upset, she had to feign a smile during the meeting to maintain professionalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He feigned a smile and said he was happy to see the Warriors, a perennial lottery club, doing well.

The New York Times - Sports

She feigns a smile, presumably hoping for a steal that she doesn't get.

Huffington Post

GANYIEL, SOUTH SUDAN – Kneeling over a pot of water drawn from the nearby swamp, Veronica feigns a smile as her eyes dart toward the floor of her small hut.

Huffington Post

The guy clammed up and feigned a smile, which saved him from any lynching that might have been about to happen... or at least more chanting from upset protesters.

Vice

There is only an unaffected exuberance impossible to feign and a smile that has lighted living rooms — and brightened Twitter feeds — across the United States.

The New York Times - Sports

When commissioned to interview a local fruit-seller for a light news segment, she can't even feign a genuine smile for her audience.

The Guardian - Film

I feigned a big smile and quickly scrolled through my "sitter stream" and group texted for some steady hours.

Huffington Post

A smile, feigned devastation or a simple "Lucky guy", "I'm not surprised you're in demand, you're gorgeous" or a "I'll see you there, maybe we can dance at some point?" reduces the awkwardness of the situation- and vastly increases your chances of getting a date with them another time.

WikiHow

A few minutes earlier, Khorkina had forced a smile through her famous patrician detachment as if feigning joy at the gift of a fruitcake during a flawed floor performance that sealed her fate as the runner-up.

The New York Times - Sports

A smile.

The New York Times

A smile mediated happiness and well-being.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feign a smile" to subtly indicate insincerity or hidden emotions, adding depth to character portrayals and narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "feign a smile" excessively in dialogue descriptions. Vary your descriptions of smiling to maintain realism and avoid repetitive writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feign a smile" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of pretending to smile. It's used to describe the action of displaying a smile that doesn't reflect genuine emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feign a smile" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of pretending to smile, often to conceal true emotions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While examples from authoritative sources are limited, the phrase conveys a clear meaning of insincerity or pretense. Related phrases like "fake a smile" or "force a smile" offer similar connotations, with subtle differences in formality and emphasis. Using "feign a smile" adds depth to writing by suggesting hidden emotions or strategic politeness. However, it is important to note that there are no specific contexts where the usage is considered frequent, so it can be used in all contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fake a smile

Replaces "feign" with "fake", a more common synonym, slightly reducing formality.

force a smile

Emphasizes the effort required to produce the smile, implying it's not genuine.

put on a smile

Highlights the act of deliberately creating a smile, suggesting a mask or facade.

wear a smile

Similar to "put on a smile", but can also imply a more sustained pretense.

manage a smile

Indicates difficulty or struggle in smiling, often due to underlying sadness.

summon a smile

Suggests a conscious effort to bring forth a smile despite not feeling happy.

simulate a smile

Implies mimicking a genuine smile, often without real emotion.

assume a smile

Highlights the adoption of a smiling expression, regardless of inner feelings.

affect a smile

Uses "affect" to denote pretense or artificiality in displaying a smile.

manufacture a smile

Emphasizes the artificial creation of the smile, implying it is insincere.

FAQs

How can I use "feign a smile" in a sentence?

You can use "feign a smile" to describe someone pretending to be happy, such as, "Despite her disappointment, she had to feign a smile when her rival won the award".

What's a less formal way to say "feign a smile"?

A less formal alternative to "feign a smile" is to "fake a smile". This phrasing is more common in everyday conversation.

Is it ever appropriate to use "feign a smile" in professional writing?

Yes, "feign a smile" is appropriate in professional writing when you want to convey a sense of insincerity or forced politeness. However, consider your audience and context to ensure it aligns with the tone of the piece.

What is the difference between "feign a smile" and "force a smile"?

"Feign a smile" implies pretense or deception, while "force a smile" suggests an effort to smile despite not feeling like it. While related, "force a smile" focuses more on the struggle, and "feign" focuses on the deception.