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simper

[ sim-per ]
/ ˈsɪm pər /
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See synonyms for: simper / simpering on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object)
to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.
verb (used with object)
to say with a simper.
noun
a silly, self-conscious smile.
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Origin of simper

First recorded in 1560–70; related to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss dialect adjective semper “affected, coy,” German zimpfer “dainty, affected,” and to Middle Dutch zimperlijc “affected, coy”; further etymology unknown

OTHER WORDS FROM simper

sim·per·er, nounsim·per·ing·ly, adverbun·sim·per·ing, adjective

Words nearby simper

simony, Simon Zelotes, simoom, simp, simpatico, simper, simple, simple algebraic extension, simple arc, simple carbohydrate, simple closed curve
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to simper

beam, grin, leer, smirk, sneer

How to use simper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for simper

simper
/ (ˈsɪmpə) /
verb
(intr) to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way
(tr) to utter (something) in a simpering manner
noun
a simpering smile; smirk

Derived forms of simper

simperer, nounsimpering, adjective, nounsimperingly, adverb

Word Origin for simper

C16: probably from Dutch simper affected
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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