What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rictus
Example
The patient's face was contorted in a rictus of pain. [rictus: noun]
Example
He tried to hide his fear, but his face betrayed him with a rictus of terror. [rictus: noun]
smile
Example
She smiled at me when I walked into the room. [smiled: past tense verb]
Example
He gave me a warm smile to show his appreciation. [smile: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smile is much more commonly used than rictus in everyday language. Smile is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rictus is less common and usually reserved for specific situations where a forced or unnatural smile is needed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rictus and smile?
Rictus is a formal word that is typically used in medical or technical contexts, while smile is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
