vague smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague smile" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it to describe a person's facial expression when they are not quite sure how to react to a certain situation. For example: When I told my boss I was quitting my job, she gave me a vague smile.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Then, with a vague smile, she began rolling down and pulling off her old, oft-mended stockings.

The New Yorker

Next morning, when Mum got up, Auntie Andy was already dressed, sitting there on the sofa with her slapped face and vague smile, and all the sheets and blankets neatly folded.

The New Yorker

He looks skinnier than in recent pictures, and wears a vague smile across his face, perhaps at the recommendation of his lawyer, a broad-shouldered man named Joe Conway.

Vice

He looks skinnier than in recent pictures, and he wears a vague smile across his face, perhaps at the recommendation of his lawyer, a broad-shouldered man named Joe Conway.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The faces are blurred; Caliban and Prospero are all beard, Ferdinand and Miranda only vague smiles in faded faces.

The Guardian - Film

She blinked, vaguely smiled, and ambled off.

The Guardian - Books

The Queen and Prince Philip are present and correct, even vaguely smiling.

The Guardian

Then, thousands of people, all of them vaguely smiling, had wandered the paths like pilgrims in a dream.

The New Yorker

My friend looked at Mia and vaguely smiled, I mumbled a thanks to her for writing the book, and then each of us spaced out in a different direction while she signed away.

Vice

Her eyes are lively but vague, her smile broad but distant.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the eighties, Andy Warhol photographed him wearing plaid flannel, his hands raised like claws and a vague, suggestive smile on his lips: Am I scaring you, honey?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "vague smile" to subtly convey a character's uncertainty or lack of genuine emotion without explicitly stating it. This can add depth to your descriptions and allow the reader to interpret the emotion for themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "vague smile" as a catch-all for any uncertain expression. Consider whether another emotion, such as amusement, skepticism, or sadness, might be more accurate and create a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague smile" functions as a noun phrase where "vague" modifies the noun "smile". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used to describe a smile lacking definition or clarity. The adjective adds a nuance of uncertainty or insincerity to the expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague smile" is a correct and usable expression in English, albeit rare in occurrence. According to Ludwig AI, it aptly describes a facial expression tinged with uncertainty or a lack of genuine emotion. Predominantly found in News & Media, this descriptor serves to subtly convey a character's emotional state or a nuanced social interaction. When crafting your writing, be mindful of choosing the most precise emotion to describe, and remember that alternatives like "feeble smile", "uncertain smile", or "enigmatic smile" may sometimes be more accurate than a "vague smile".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeble smile

Indicates a smile that is weak or lacking strength; suggests frailty or insincerity.

uncertain smile

Conveys a smile that is hesitant or unsure; highlights a lack of confidence or clarity in the emotion.

wry smile

Implies a smile that is slightly mocking or ironic; suggests a sense of amusement mixed with resignation or bitterness.

enigmatic smile

Suggests a mysterious or puzzling smile; emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the person's true feelings.

evasive smile

Indicates a smile used to avoid answering a question or revealing true intentions; emphasizes a sense of deception or concealment.

guarded smile

Implies a smile that is cautious or reserved; highlights a desire to protect oneself or hide true feelings.

subtle smile

Conveys a smile that is barely perceptible or understated; emphasizes its delicate or understated nature.

faint smile

Suggests a smile that is weak or indistinct; emphasizes its lack of intensity or clarity.

forced smile

Indicates a smile that is insincere or artificial; highlights the lack of genuine emotion behind it.

ambiguous smile

Implies that smile meaning is not clear and can be interpreted in multiple ways.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague smile" to describe someone's expression when they are uncertain, indifferent, or trying to conceal their true feelings. For example, "She offered a "vague smile" when asked about her plans for the future."

What does a "vague smile" imply about a person's emotions?

A "vague smile" often suggests a lack of genuine emotion, uncertainty, or a desire to avoid revealing one's true feelings. It can also indicate politeness or a lack of engagement.

Are there situations where using a more specific descriptor than "vague smile" is better?

Yes, if you want to convey a more precise emotion, consider using alternatives like "feeble smile", "uncertain smile", or "enigmatic smile" depending on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between a "vague smile" and a "forced smile"?

A "vague smile" suggests a lack of clarity or genuine emotion, while a "forced smile" implies an insincere attempt to appear happy or agreeable. A "vague smile" might be unintentional, while a "forced smile" is usually deliberate.