hesitant smile

USAGE SUMMARY

'hesitant smile' is an idiomatic expression that is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a smile that is not entirely confident or assured; usually indicating shyness, apprehension, or being hesitant in some way. For example: She gave the interviewer a hesitant smile, her nervousness evident as she waited for his response.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Craig Keir Gilchristt), a teenager with big eyes, a hesitant smile and a diffident, sensitive demeanor, checks into Argeron because he is spooked by thoughts of suicide.

The New York Times

The entry was illustrated with Clementi's Facebook photograph: self-shot, in his sunny Ridgewood bedroom, it shows him with cropped hair, glasses, and a hesitant smile.

The New Yorker

Here's the artist's father as a child, with thick-rimmed Buddy Holly specs and a hesitant smile, posing for a passport photo.

The Guardian - Arts

Lauder gave a hesitant smile in return, looking about as pleased with himself as a man who prefers not to show how pleased he is with himself can look.

The New Yorker

Her latest follows Wendy Ms. Williamss), a girlish woman with watchful eyes and a hesitant smile, who, with her mutt, Lucy, is on her way to a new life in Alaska with too little money when she runs into trouble in Oregon.

The New York Times

On a recent January day, Bresha entered a Trumbull County courtroom and glanced over at her mother, flashing a brief, hesitant smile, before stopping in front of the judge.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We start talking, hesitant smiles, noises of reconciliation, offers of cups of tea, handshakes.

The Guardian

Underneath their hesitant smiles, both looked strained and uncomfortable.

Huffington Post

You meet someone at a bar, exchange glances and hesitant smiles, and eventually start talking.

Huffington Post

The camera flirts on his face, showing his eager hesitant new smile as a freed man.

Huffington Post

But until recently, suggest that London might be up there as worthy of a risk assessment – thanks largely to the backlash against Britain's forays beyond its borders – and you'd usually be met with a hesitant yet cynical smile.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hesitant smile" to convey a character's inner state, revealing their shyness, uncertainty, or discomfort in a subtle yet impactful way. It's more nuanced than a simple "smile".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "hesitant smile" to describe a character. Vary your descriptions with other related phrases like "uncertain smile" or "shy smile" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hesitant smile" primarily functions as a descriptive element, adding detail to a character or subject by qualifying their smile. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a smile that lacks confidence, indicating shyness or apprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hesitant smile" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe a smile lacking confidence, indicating shyness or uncertainty. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, serving a descriptive function to convey nuanced emotional states. While not overly common, "hesitant smile" is a valuable tool for writers seeking to add depth and subtlety to their character descriptions. Using it sparingly and considering synonyms like "uncertain smile" can enhance writing without becoming repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain smile

Replaces "hesitant" with "uncertain", emphasizing the lack of confidence or sureness in the smile.

shy smile

Focuses on the shyness aspect, suggesting a smile that is demure and reserved.

timid smile

Similar to "shy smile", but highlights the fear or lack of confidence behind the smile.

nervous smile

Emphasizes the anxiety or nervousness causing the smile.

forced smile

Indicates that the smile is not genuine and is being put on despite underlying discomfort.

weak smile

Suggests a smile that lacks strength or conviction, possibly due to sadness or illness.

faint smile

Implies a smile that is barely visible, suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or energy.

guarded smile

Indicates that the smile is concealing true emotions or intentions.

wary smile

Highlights the caution or suspicion behind the smile.

reserved smile

Implies a smile that is kept back or restrained, suggesting formality or distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "hesitant smile" to describe someone who is shy, uncertain, or nervous. For example, "She gave a "hesitant smile" as she approached the podium."

What are some synonyms for "hesitant smile"?

Alternatives include "uncertain smile", "shy smile", or "timid smile". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hesitant smile" formal or informal?

"Hesitant smile" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone of the writing than the context itself.

What does a "hesitant smile" imply about a person's feelings?

A "hesitant smile" suggests uncertainty, shyness, or a lack of confidence. It can indicate that the person is not entirely comfortable or sure of themselves in the situation.