sensitive smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that conveys empathy, understanding, or vulnerability, often in a context where emotions are involved. Example: "She greeted him with a sensitive smile, knowing how much he had been through lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Male models (like the wiry It Boy Matthew Avedon, whose unrelenting curls are decidedly Dylanesque) are showing slivers of sensitive smiles on their faces, as labels like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli send them down the runway in recession-friendlier clothes: ripped jeans, embroidered sweaters and longer, messier hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our results showed that primary cells are far more sensitive to SMILE transcript silencing than HeLa cells, as there was no need for Bortezomib treatment to induce XBP-1 overexpression in SMILE-silenced keratinocytes.

Plosone

Light-sensitive keyboards, smile shutters, and multi-touch are just the baby steps.

TechCrunch

Studies have shown that orthodontists are more sensitive to a gummy smile compared with laypeople [14, 40, 59].

Progress in Orthodontics

Avoid sensitive issues when talking, smile when you talk, and bear in mind that it is a land of ceremonies.

WikiHow

After meticulous adjustment of seatbelts, Adenor, a gentle, amiable and sensitive man, full of smiles, drove off at a pace worthy of any Brazilian motor racing champion.

The Guardian - Travel

Be sensitive in flashing your smiles.

WikiHow

He'd always been told to be quiet, sensitive, to make his mother smile.

The Guardian - Film

"He's extremely sensitive to opportunities," Zhang said, smiling.

The New Yorker

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

In an industry that is full-on most of the time, Steph was gentle, charming, sensitive, good-natured, optimistic, stylish, always smiling – and still amazingly productive.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sensitive smile" to describe a smile that conveys understanding, empathy, or vulnerability, especially in emotionally charged situations.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive smile" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "empathetic smile" or "gentle smile" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive smile" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "smile". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a particular quality of the smile.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive smile" describes a smile imbued with empathy, understanding, or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, typically found in descriptive or narrative writing. While not exceedingly common, "sensitive smile" effectively communicates emotional awareness. Alternatives such as "empathetic smile" or "gentle smile" can offer slight variations in meaning. When using the phrase, aim for contexts where conveying emotional depth is paramount, and be mindful of overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic smile

Replaces "sensitive" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the feeling of empathy conveyed by the smile.

understanding smile

Highlights the comprehension and acknowledgment aspect of the smile.

gentle smile

Focuses on the tenderness and mildness of the smile, rather than emotional sensitivity.

compassionate smile

Emphasizes the feeling of compassion behind the smile.

tender smile

Similar to "gentle smile", but slightly more focused on affection.

sympathetic smile

Highlights the feeling of shared sorrow or pity conveyed by the smile.

vulnerable smile

Emphasizes the exposure and openness conveyed by the smile, rather than sensitivity.

thoughtful smile

Suggests that the smile is accompanied by deep consideration and understanding.

caring smile

Highlights the element of care and concern conveyed through the smile.

soft smile

Focuses on the gentle and subtle nature of the smile.

FAQs

What does "sensitive smile" mean?

A "sensitive smile" is a smile that conveys empathy, understanding, or vulnerability. It suggests a heightened awareness of others' feelings.

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

You might say, "She offered a "sensitive smile", acknowledging his grief."

What are some synonyms for "sensitive smile"?

Alternatives include "empathetic smile", "gentle smile", or "understanding smile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sensitive smile" formal or informal?

The phrase "sensitive smile" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in descriptive or narrative writing.