Sobbing: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is more formal and poetic, and it can describe both silent and gentle or more intense crying. It often portrays a sense of sadness or mourning.

• He wept silently at the funeral.
• She weeps every time she hears that song.

This word is used to describe a loud, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger. It often suggests a more intense and desperate form of crying.

• The child wailed when he fell and scraped his knee.
• She wailed in despair when she found out about the accident.

This word is used when someone is crying softly or making quiet, feeble sounds, often indicating fear, pain, or helplessness.

• The puppy whimpered when it was left alone.
• She whimpered softly, afraid to make any louder noises.

Sobbing is used to describe a situation where someone is crying very hard, often with loud gasps for air and deep emotional pain. This word is typically used in more intense, sorrowful contexts.

• She couldn't control her sobbing after hearing the terrible news.
• He spent the night sobbing over the loss of his pet.

Weeping denotes gentle or quiet crying, usually with tears flowing steadily. It is often associated with sadness or emotional pain, but in a more subdued manner than sobbing.

• She sat by the window, weeping softly as the rain fell outside.
• He was weeping silently at the back of the funeral service.

Crying is a general term for shedding tears, and it can be used in a variety of emotional contexts, from sadness to happiness, frustration, or relief.

• The baby was crying because she was hungry.
• He was crying tears of joy when he saw his family again.

Wailing refers to a prolonged, high-pitched, and often loud cry, usually due to extreme distress or grief. It can also describe the sound made by something inanimate, like wind or sirens.

• The wailing of the widow could be heard throughout the village.
• The sirens were wailing all night long.