He smiled and waved at his friends.

Meaning: This sentence means that he formed a pleasant expression with his mouth and moved his hand or arm in a greeting or signal towards his friends.

Choice of Words: Smiled means to form a pleasant expression with one's mouth. Waved means to move one's hand or arm in a greeting or signal.

Alternative Expressions

He beamed and beckoned his pals.

Meaning: This sentence conveys a similar meaning to the first one, but with a slightly different tone. It suggests that the person is very happy to see his friends and is actively inviting them to come closer.

Choice of Words: Beamed is a more descriptive verb than smiled, suggesting a wide and radiant smile. Beckoned is a more formal verb than waved, implying a deliberate gesture to call someone over. Pals is a more informal and friendly term for friends.

He grinned and gestured towards his comrades.

Meaning: This sentence gives a slightly different impression than the previous two. It suggests that the person is very happy to see his friends and is making a friendly and inviting gesture towards them.

Choice of Words: Grinned is a more informal and playful verb than smiled, indicating a broad and cheeky smile. Gestured is a more general verb than waved, implying any kind of hand movement. Comrades is a more formal and respectful term for friends.

Related Expressions