Crying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
Add to dictionary

crying

[หˆkraษชษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotional expression

Crying is the act of shedding tears in response to an emotional state, such as sadness, frustration, or joy. It is a natural and universal human reaction that can serve as a release of pent-up emotions. Crying is often accompanied by physical manifestations, such as sobbing or wailing.

Synonyms

sobbing, tearful, weeping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
crying

Used in a general sense to describe the act of shedding tears due to emotions like sadness, pain, or even joy. It is a common and neutral term.

  • She was crying after watching the sad movie.
  • The baby started crying when he was hungry.
weeping

Describes crying softly and sometimes for a prolonged period. It often conveys a sense of sorrow or mourning.

  • She sat quietly, weeping for her lost pet.
  • He was weeping silently in the corner of the room.
tearful

Refers to a state of having tears in the eyes, often about to cry. It is a less intense form of crying, indicating a personโ€™s eyes are filled with tears.

  • Her eyes were tearful as she said goodbye to her friends.
  • He gave a tearful speech at the memorial service.
sobbing

Describes intense, audible crying, usually uncontrollable and often accompanied by gasping for breath. It indicates deep distress or intense emotion.

  • She was sobbing uncontrollably after receiving the bad news.
  • He broke down into sobbing after the argument.

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't stop crying after hearing the news.
  • The baby started crying when it was separated from its mother.
  • His eyes were red from crying all night.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional response

Crying refers to the act of shedding tears as a reaction to strong emotions. It is a form of emotional expression that can communicate feelings of sadness, pain, or even relief. Crying is a natural human response that can help individuals process and cope with intense emotions.

Examples of usage

  • Her crying during the movie moved everyone in the audience.
  • The sound of a baby's crying can be distressing.
  • There is a sense of catharsis in crying.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying is a natural way for humans to express emotions, helping to release built-up stress and tension.
  • Tears can contain chemical substances that help soothe emotional pain, acting like a natural painkiller.
  • Studies show that crying can lead to emotional relief, making people feel better afterward.

Cultural Views

  • In some cultures, crying is seen as a sign of weakness, while in others, itโ€™s considered a healthy expression of feelings.
  • Different societies have distinct beliefs about crying, such as it being an important part of a ritual or a way to honor loss.
  • In some traditions, communal crying is a part of mourning practices, helping people connect and heal together.

Art and Literature

  • Many artists and writers explore the theme of crying to convey deep emotions, often using it as a powerful storytelling tool.
  • Crying is frequently depicted in movies and literature as a turning point for characters, marking moments of transformation.
  • Notable songs and poems often use crying as a motif to illustrate love, heartbreak, or loss.

Biology

  • There are three types of tears: basal (for lubrication), reflex (to protect from irritants), and emotional (linked to feelings).
  • The emotional tears produced during crying are different in composition from those created by slicing an onion!
  • Babies typically cry to communicate their needs because they canโ€™t speak; it's their way of saying, 'Help me!'

Philosophy

  • Crying can be seen as a universal language of emotion, transcending cultural barriers and connecting people across different backgrounds.
  • Some philosophers argue that crying is an essential part of the human experience, highlighting vulnerability and connection.
  • Exploring the reasons behind crying can lead to deeper discussions about empathy, human connection, and the nature of feelings.

Origin of 'crying'

The word 'crying' originated from Middle English 'crien', which in turn came from Old French 'crier' meaning 'to cry out'. The sense of shedding tears as an emotional response developed in the late 14th century. Throughout history, crying has been recognized as a natural and important aspect of human emotional expression.


See also: cry, crybaby, outcry.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,333 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.