Lachrymose: meaning, definitions and examples

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lachrymose

 

[ˈlaɪkrɪˌmoʊs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Lachrymose refers to a tendency to cry or be tearful, often in a sorrowful or melancholic manner. It is used to describe individuals or situations that are excessively sad or weepy. The term originates from the Latin word 'lacrimosus', which means 'full of tears'. It can apply to literature, film, or real-life instances where emotions are heightened and lead to tears.

Synonyms

melancholy, sad, sorrowful, tearful, weepy.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a lachrymose performance that left the audience in tears.
  • The movie was so lachrymose that I couldn't help but cry.
  • His lachrymose attitude made it difficult for him to enjoy the party.
  • The story had a lachrymose ending that resonated with many readers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'lacrima', meaning 'tear', which explains its connection to sadness.
  • It was popularized in English during the 19th century as writers started using it to describe melancholic emotions.

Literature

  • Many poets and authors use this word to express deep sorrow in their characters, often highlighting tragedy.
  • In modern fiction, characters described as 'lachrymose' may symbolize vulnerability or emotional depth.

Film and Media

  • Movies often depict 'lachrymose' moments where characters experience profound loss, leaving audiences emotional.
  • Dramatic scenes in theater embrace this theme, using music and lighting to heighten feelings of sadness.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'lachrymose' can arise from various experiences, including grief, regret, or loss.
  • Recognizing this emotional state is crucial in therapy, as it can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.

Music

  • Many songs evoke a 'lachrymose' feeling through lyrics that explore themes of love lost or heartbreak.
  • Composers often create melodies that are melancholic to enhance the emotion associated with sadness.

Translations

Translations of the word "lachrymose" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lágrimoso

🇮🇳 आंसू भरा

🇩🇪 tränenreich

🇮🇩 menangis

🇺🇦 сльозливий

🇵🇱 łzawy

🇯🇵 涙を流す

🇫🇷 larmoyant

🇪🇸 lágrimoso

🇹🇷 gözyaşartan

🇰🇷 눈물 나는

🇸🇦 مؤلم

🇨🇿 slzavý

🇸🇰 slzavý

🇨🇳 含泪的

🇸🇮 solzljiv

🇮🇸 tárfelltur

🇰🇿 жылау

🇬🇪 ცრემლიანი

🇦🇿 gözyaşardıcı

🇲🇽 llorón

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,921, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.