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Tearfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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tearfully

[หˆtษชษ™fษ™li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

emotional expression

Tearfully is an adverb that describes doing something in a manner filled with tears or deep emotion. It often implies sadness or vulnerability, conveying a sense of distress or overwhelming feelings. This word could refer to speaking, looking, or reacting in a way that shows one is on the verge of crying. Common usages include moments of grief, joy, or frustration.

Synonyms

emotionally, sadly, weeping.

Examples of usage

  • She spoke tearfully about her late grandmother.
  • He made his tearfully confession at the apology meeting.
  • They hugged tearfully after a long separation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying can be a natural emotional response, helping to relieve stress and express feelings.
  • Studies suggest that tearful expressions can trigger empathy in others, making it easier to connect during emotional times.
  • The act of crying can release endorphins, providing a temporary feeling of relief or calm after episodes of sadness.

Pop Culture

  • Many films depict characters tearfully expressing their sorrow during climactic moments, emphasizing the power of emotional storytelling.
  • Songs often use tearful imagery to convey deep feelings of love, loss, or nostalgia, resonating with listeners' experiences.
  • The phrase 'tearfully happy' is popular in romantic comedies, showing the complexity of emotions when joy mixes with sadness.

Literature

  • Tearful scenes are common in novels to highlight character development, revealing vulnerability and depth.
  • Poets often describe tearful moments to evoke empathy from readers, creating a strong emotional atmosphere.
  • Classic literature frequently contrasts tearful scenes with joyful ones, showcasing the spectrum of human emotion.

Origin of 'tearfully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'tear', which means 'to pull apart', often associated with sadness.
  • The '-fully' suffix indicates a state or manner, so 'tearfully' describes how someone is acting when they cry.
  • Tears have been associated with human emotion for centuries, influencing language surrounding grief and joy.

The word 'tearfully' is derived from the root 'tear', which originates from the Old English word 'tวฃre', meaning 'tear' in the sense of a drop of clear salty liquid that flows from the eye as a result of emotion. The suffix '-fully' is added to form the adverb, indicating the manner in which something is done. Linguistically, the concept of tears has been significant in various cultures, often symbolizing both grief and joy. The notion of being tearful has been rooted in human expression for centuries, reflecting profound emotional experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,917, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.