1to smile (gently); to beam — often used in written or literary contexts
彼女は手紙を読んで柔らかく笑んだ。
She read the letter and smiled softly.
店員は客に向かって愛想よく笑んだ。
The clerk smiled amiably at the customer.
少年は恥ずかしそうに笑んだ。
The boy smiled shyly.