Word
grinning
Phoneticsgrin·ning, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹɪnɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈɪnɪŋ/
Definition
adj. smiling broadly, often because you are very happy or find something funny. It describes a face that shows a wide, toothy smile.
adj. characterised by a wide, often toothy smile that indicates genuine amusement or satisfaction. A participial adjective frequently used in both attributive and predicative positions.
Examples
“The grinning boy held up his trophy for everyone to see.”
“She walked into the room with a grinning face, clearly excited to share her good news with the team.”
“The photograph captured a row of grinning graduates, their expressions a mixture of relief and triumph as they tossed their caps into the air.”
Examples
simple
“The grinning boy held up his trophy for everyone to see.”
contextual
“She walked into the room with a grinning face, clearly excited to share her good news with the team.”
complex
“The photograph captured a row of grinning graduates, their expressions a mixture of relief and triumph as they tossed their caps into the air.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'look', or 'remain'.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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