grimace
/gri'meis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A contorted facial expression that typically shows disgust, disapproval, pain, or other strong negative feelings. It is an involuntary or deliberate twisting of the face.
- A distorted or exaggerated facial expression that can also be used for comedic or theatrical effect.
Verb:
- To contort the face in an ugly or twisted way, often to express pain, disgust, annoyance, or disapproval.
- To make a facial expression that shows strong dislike or discomfort.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- A grimace of pain crossed his face when he stubbed his toe.
- She couldn't hide her grimace after tasting the sour milk.
Verb:
- He grimaced as he drank the bitter medicine.
- The audience grimaced at the character's terrible jokes.
Advanced Usage
"to grimace at": to make a grimace in reaction to something specific.
- She grimaced at the thought of cleaning the messy room.
"with a grimace": used to describe an action accompanied by a grimace.
- With a grimace, he accepted the difficult task.
Variants and Related Words
- Grimacing (adj): Making or characterized by a grimace.
- He gave a grimacing smile.
Synonyms
- Scowl: To frown in an angry or bad-tempered way.
- Wince: To make a slight, involuntary grimace or shrinking movement, often due to pain or distress.
- Frown: To furrow one's brows, typically in displeasure or concentration.
Related Phrases
- Make a grimace: To produce a grimace.
- The child made a grimace when given vegetables.
Idioms
- A pained grimace: A grimace specifically showing physical or emotional pain.
- He answered the question with a pained grimace.
Noun
- a contorted facial expression
- she made a grimace at the prospect
Verb
- contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
- He grimaced when he saw the amount of homework he had to do