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Cried Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cried

[kraษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional expression

Cried is the past tense of the verb 'cry', which means to shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, grief, or pain. It can also occur during times of joy or laughter. The act of crying is a natural human response to various emotions and is often accompanied by other physical reactions like sobbing or gasping for breath.

Synonyms

bawled, lamented, shed tears, sobbed, wept.

Examples of usage

  • She cried tears of joy when she heard the news.
  • He cried for hours after receiving the bad news.
  • The child cried when he fell off his bike.
  • She always cried during sad movies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying is a natural response to emotional experiences, releasing built-up tension and stress.
  • Some studies suggest that crying can actually help improve mood by stimulating the production of endorphins, which are feel-good hormones.

Literature

  • Crying is often depicted in literature as a symbol of vulnerability and human emotion, creating powerful moments in storytelling.
  • Classic authors like Shakespeare frequently used characters' tears to convey deep emotional states, showing that crying was a pivotal element in their narratives.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and songs use crying as a motif to evoke empathy in the audience, making charactersโ€™ experiences relatable.
  • Crying during emotional scenes has become a cultural phenomenon, with many actors known for their tear-jerking performances.

Science

  • There are three types of tears: basal (to lubricate the eyes), reflex (from irritation), and emotional (from feelings).
  • Research has shown that emotional tears contain more protein and hormones than other types of tears, indicating their biological significance.

Origin of 'cried'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cried' comes from the Old English word 'crฤซdan,' meaning to weep or shout.
  • In Middle English, the term was used similarly, emphasizing the emotional outpouring associated with the act.

The word 'cried' originates from the Old English term 'crฤซe', which means 'to cry out, shout'. This evolved from the Proto-Germanic '*kreuwan', which is akin to the Old Norse 'grรกta', meaning 'to weep'. The usage of the word in various forms can be traced back through medieval literature, where expressions of sorrow and emotional release were often depicted in writing and art. Over centuries, the context of crying has expanded to include expressions of happiness and relief, as well as sorrow. The historical significance of crying relates not only to emotional states but also to social interactions, where crying has often been used as a means of communication, signaling needs or eliciting responses from others.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,997, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.