A smile is a facial expression formed by flexing the muscles near both ends of the mouth and by flexing muscles throughout the mouth. Some smiles include contraction of the muscles at the corner of the eyes (see 'Duchenne Smiling' below). Among humans, it is an expression denoting pleasure, sociability, happiness, or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety, in which case it is known as a grimace. Smiling is something that is understood by everyone despite culture, race, or religion; it is internationally known. Cross-cultural studies have shown that smiling is a means of communication throughout the world. But there are large differences between different cultures. A smile can also be spontaneous or artificial.
Read more about Smile: Historical Background, Development in Infants, Social Behavior, Cultural Differences, Dimples, Real Smiles Vs. Fake Smiles, Gallery
Famous quotes containing the word smile:
“He does smile his face into more lines than is in the new map with the augmentation of the Indies.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“The voices of that hearth are still;
Look where we may, the wide earth o’er,
Those lighted faces smile no more.”
—John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892)
“Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion city of our God!
He, whose word cannot be broken, Form’d for thee his own abode:
On the rock of ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.”
—John Newton (1725–1807)