Grimace Meaning
/ˈɡɹɪm.əs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA contorted facial expression, often expressing contempt or pain.
nounAffectation, pretence.
Sentence Examples
Four-year-old Sam begrudgingly ate his broccoli with a grimace on his face.
Tom leant in to kiss Mary, but she recoiled with a grimace.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
When he tasted the sour lemon, he began to ____ in disgust.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She couldn't help but ____ when she tasted the extremely sour lemon, as it was much stronger than she expected.
Word Origin & History
From French grimace, from Middle French grimace, from Old French grimace, grimuche, from grime (“mask”) (with the pejorative suffix -ace, from Latin -āceus), from Frankish *grīma, *grīmō (“mask”), from Proto-Germanic *grīmô (“mask, helmet”). Cognate with Old English grīma (“mask, visor, helmet, spectre, apparition”). More at grime.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I trundle off to bed, eyes brimming, face twisted into a grateful glistening grimace, and awaken the next day wondering what all the fuss was about."
— 2005 March, Opera News:
"Zeluco considered all this as mere affectation and grimace, and was convinced that she would, in due time, unfold the particular mode in which she wished to be indemnified […]."
— 1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 105:
"Charlotte was equally insensible to all his fashionable grimace, and indifferent to his conversation."
— 1790, Helen Maria Williams, Julia, Routledge, published 2016, page 21:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
When he tasted the sour lemon, he began to ____ in disgust.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She couldn't help but ____ when she tasted the extremely sour lemon, as it was much stronger than she expected.