What It Means to Purse Your Lips

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Learn about this subtle facial motion that suggests disapproval

Co-authored by Jenna Jean Davis and Mason Martinez, BA

Last Updated: August 24, 2024 Fact Checked

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What are pursed lips?

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When & How to Purse Your Lips

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Related Words

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Pursed Lips Breathing Technique

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When reading a novel, a common expression you may stumble upon is someone pursing their lips. But what does this phrase mean, and how does it differ from other facial expressions? Pursuing your lips show disapproval or doubt in another person’s words or actions. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to purse your lips and when to use the phrase and related facial expressions terms.

Things You Should Know

When someone purses their lips, they bring them together in a round shape to show disapproval or doubt.
Pursed lips can also signal when someone withholds information from someone else. It’s similar to biting your tongue or sealing your lips.
Alternatively, pursed lip breathing is a technique in which a person slowly inhales through their nose and exhales through pursed lips. It’s beneficial for patients with asthma or COPD.

Section 1 of 4:

What are pursed lips?

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Pursed lips are a facial expression that signals disapproval or doubt. When someone purses their lips, they bring their lips together tightly to form a round shape. The expression shows tension, frustration, disapproval, or anger.^{[1]
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Research source} It can also be associated with dishonesty or used when someone is trying to determine what to say.^{[2]
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Research source} Here are two examples of how the term can be used:
- “I know I was supposed to study last night, but Jenny invited me out for drinks, and now I have the biggest hangover!” Emma said, nursing a cup of coffee. Laura pursed her lips, silently flipping through the textbook pages. “What’s wrong?” Emma asked. “Are you sure that was a smart move? The exam is in an hour and counts for 50% of our grade.”
- “I had to stay after school to talk to one of my teachers,” Evan explained to his mom. “That's why I'm home late.” Lucas pursed his lips, knowing his brother Evan was lying and was hanging out with his friends after school.

Section 2 of 4:

When & How to Purse Your Lips

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If you’re someone who struggles to voice their feelings, wear them! By pursing your lips, you’re giving the other person a non-verbal cue that you disagree with what they’ve said or done. This doesn’t mean you’re withholding information; non-verbal cues are an effective way to communicate without interrupting the other person. This allows them to ask you what’s on your mind so you can comfortably express yourself.^{[3]
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HelpGuide
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The act of pursing your lips means holding your mouth shut to prevent yourself from speaking, or potentially from telling the truth. It’s categorized as a microexpression for lying, like when someone “seals their lips” or “bites their tongue” when they’re withholding valuable information.^{[4]
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Research source}

Section 3 of 4:

Related Words

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Frown To frown upon someone or something shows disapproval or displeasure by turning the corners of the mouth down or contracting your eyebrows. It can also signal concentration, like when someone is intensely studying or working on a massive project.^{[5]
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Research source} Here are examples of how to use the word "frown" in your writing:
- Jordan watched the clock tick with a frown while waiting for his wife to return.
- Laura leaned back uneasily, frowning as she slid her chemistry notes towards Emma.
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Pout When someone pouts their lips, it can demonstrate moodiness or displeasure by thrusting the lips out with a sullen expression. However, it can also be done in a sexually suggestive way, like pursing the lips, which models do when posing for photos.^{[6]
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Research source} Check out these examples of how the word "pout" might be used:
- Joey pouted as his mother pulled the toy out of his hands and back onto the shelf.
- Jenna twirled a piece of curly hair around her finger, pouting her pink lips towards the camera.
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Sneer To sneer at someone is to smile or laugh in a way that expresses scorn or contempt. It is a negative or mocking reaction towards someone else. It's a sign of disrespect. When someone sneers, their upper lip curls.^{[7]
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Research source} You might see the word "sneer" used like this:
- As Julia walked in with a ripped hole in her stocking, Amelia acknowledged her presence with a condescending sneer.
- “This is your best?” Emma’s father sneered, looking at her latest chemistry grade.

Section 4 of 4:

Pursed Lips Breathing Technique

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Pursed lip is a breathing exercise for illness and stress reduction. Pursed lip breathing is for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis who need quick and simple ways to control their shortness of breath. To breathe this way, slowly inhale through your nose and gently exhale through tightly pressed lips.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- This breathing technique improves ventilation, releases trapped air, and slows your breathing rate.