beamish

American  

[bee-mish] / ˈbi mɪʃ /

adjective

1. bright, cheerful, and optimistic.

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Etymology

Origin of beamish

First recorded in 1520–30; beam (in the sense “ray of light”) + -ish ¹

Explanation

Use the adjective beamish when you describe someone who is smiling and cheerful. A beamish child tends to laugh and play happily with his friends all afternoon. Though it's unusual, beamish is a descriptive way to talk about a smiley, optimistic person. Your kindergarten teacher may have been beamish, cheering students up with her positive attitude and sweet smile. Most kids are beamish when they visit amusement parks and playgrounds. Beamish dates from the 1500s, from the verb beam, "to smile radiantly." Lewis Carroll may have thought he invented the word in his poem "Jabberwocky," which is full of made-up words, but beamish is real, if uncommon.

Example Sentences

That’s not the fault of the beamish, resourceful Ross, who, as a recent Evan Hansen, has experience portraying liars.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024

At least the songs are sung well: Jones is as beamish as his music sounds; you can see and hear how his Ivan might be the star the show says he is.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2023

Gyrating motion is the substitute for plot or theme in the novels of Jack Kerouac, the beats' most beamish boy.

From Time Magazine Archive

With her ample jowls and round, beamish face, she looks a bit like Benny Hill--without, of course, the late British comic's leering smirk.

From Time Magazine Archive

The court-house was finally exhausted by its visitor, who resumed her seat and submitted with beamish grace to praise.

From Penrod and Sam by Tarkington, Booth