grimacing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to informal in spoken contexts; standard in written narrative.
Quick answer
What does “grimacing” mean?
Making a twisted or contorted facial expression, typically expressing pain, disgust, or annoyance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Making a twisted or contorted facial expression, typically expressing pain, disgust, or annoyance.
Used metaphorically to describe an action, statement, or situation that is figuratively 'twisted' or undertaken with visible reluctance or discomfort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British narrative prose for character description.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “grimacing” in a Sentence
grimace at [noun phrase]grimace in [noun (pain/disgust)]grimace with [noun (pain/effort)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grimacing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was grimacing at the thought of the long queue.
American English
- She grimaced when she tasted the medicine.
adjective
British English
- The grimacing goalkeeper couldn't reach the ball.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a colleague's reaction to bad news in an informal account.
Academic
Used in literary analysis, psychology, or medical descriptions of non-verbal communication.
Everyday
Common for describing reactions to unpleasant tastes, sights, or physical discomfort.
Technical
Used in medicine (e.g., 'grimacing response' in pain assessment) and animation/acting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grimacing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grimacing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grimacing”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He grimaced his pain' is incorrect). Confusing with 'grizzling' (whining) or 'grim' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes. It denotes pain, disgust, or distaste. While theoretically possible in irony or extreme effort, its core is negative.
Yes, commonly as a participial adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a grimacing figure') or after a linking verb (e.g., 'He was grimacing').
'At' is very common (grimace at something). 'In' and 'with' are used for causes (grimace in pain, grimace with effort).
They often overlap. 'Wincing' is more specific to a sudden, instinctive recoil from pain or distress, often involving blinking or flinching. 'Grimacing' focuses on the contortion of the facial features themselves and can be more prolonged.
Making a twisted or contorted facial expression, typically expressing pain, disgust, or annoyance.
Grimacing is usually neutral to informal in spoken contexts; standard in written narrative. in register.
Grimacing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪm.ə.sɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɪm.ə.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRIM' in 'grimacing' – a grim face.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGATIVE EMOTION IS A PHYSICAL DISTORTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'grimacing' LEAST appropriate?