Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The man was scowling, the woman half-tearful, half-defiant.

From The Grammar School Boys of Gridley or, Dick & Co. Start Things Moving by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)

As they strolled through the park he rather gloomily described his visit from Stephen Foster, but the girl's half-smiling, half-tearful look of affection reassured him.

From In Friendship's Guise by Graydon, William Murray

There was a smiling, half-tearful look in her eyes—those expressive eyes which, but a moment before, had burnt with a vengeful fire—as she asked the question.

From The Story of the Foss River Ranch A Tale of the Northwest by Cullum, Ridgwell

"Only if you promise me to go to-morrow, mind," she said, with a half-coquettish, half-tearful smile at him.

From What's Bred in the Bone by Allen, Grant

"They won't listen!" added an impatient, half-tearful voice.

From The Tangled Skein by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness