simper
[ sim-per ]
/ ˈsɪm pər /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
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, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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, adverbWord 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