grinning
UK: ˈɡrɪnɪŋ | US: ˈɡrɪnɪŋ
v. (present participle of grin) meaning 1: to smile broadly, often showing teeth
v. meaning 2: to express amusement, pleasure, or smugness with a wide smile
n. meaning 3: the act or instance of grinning
The word grin traces back to Old English grennian, meaning "to bare the teeth in pain or anger," later evolving to denote a broad smile. The -ing suffix, of Germanic origin, forms the present participle, indicating an ongoing action. The shift from a negative to a positive connotation reflects cultural changes in interpreting facial expressions.
She couldn't stop grinning after hearing the good news.
The children were grinning from ear to ear at the clown's antics.
His grinning face betrayed his hidden amusement.
A grinning cat appeared in the shadows, unsettling the visitors.
Despite the scolding, the toddler kept grinning mischievously.