simper
[ sim-per ]
/ ˈsɪm pər /
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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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On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
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. 2022
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
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