simper

[ sim-per ]
/ ˈsɪm pər /

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.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of simper

1555–65; akin to Middle Dutch zimperlijc, dialectal Danish simper affected, Danish sippe affected woman, orig. one who sips (see sip), a way of drinking thought to be affected

SYNONYMS FOR simper

1, 3 smirk, snigger, snicker.

OTHER WORDS FROM simper

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

Words nearby simper

simonson, simony, simoom, simp, simpatico, simper, simple, simple absence, simple algebraic extension, simple arc, simple carbohydrate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to simpered

sneer, smirk, leer, grin, beam

Example sentences from the Web for simpered

British Dictionary definitions for simpered

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