Tears Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
tears
[tษชษrz ]
Definitions
crying
Tears are the clear salty liquid that comes out of your eyes when you cry or when they are irritated.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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tears |
Commonly used to describe the liquid that falls from someoneโs eyes when they are crying. It can be used in emotional or dramatic situations, both positive and negative.
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teardrops |
A poetic or artistic term often used to describe the shape of tears or similar small drops of liquid. It can convey a more visual or delicate perspective.
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droplets |
Used to describe small drops of any liquid, not necessarily linked to emotions or crying. Typically used in scientific or descriptive contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She wiped away her tears with a tissue.
- Tears streamed down her face as she listened to the sad news.
emotion
Tears are also the drops of salty liquid that come out of your eyes when you are very happy or sad.
Synonyms
emotional tears, weeping.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tears |
General term describing the droplets of liquid produced by the eyes, often due to emotions or physical irritation.
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emotional tears |
Specifically refers to tears produced as a result of strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or relief.
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weeping |
A more poetic or formal way to describe the act of crying, often with a connotation of prolonged or deep sorrow.
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Examples of usage
- Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks when she won the award.
- He couldn't hold back his tears when he heard the tragic news.
physical
Tears are necessary for keeping the surface of the eye moist and for washing away any foreign particles.
Synonyms
eye liquid, eye moisture.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
tears |
Used to describe the drops of liquid that flow from the eyes when someone is crying due to emotions such as sadness, joy, or pain.
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eye moisture |
A term that refers to the thin layer of liquid that covers the eyes to keep them lubricated and comfortable, typically used in more neutral or general discussions about eye health.
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eye liquid |
A more scientific or technical term, often used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the liquid produced by the eyes to keep them moist.
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Examples of usage
- Tears help to protect the eyes from dust and debris.
- Excessive tears can be a sign of an underlying eye problem.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Tears are made mostly of water but also contain proteins, oils, and antibodies that help protect your eyes.
- There are three types of tears: basal (which keep your eyes moist), reflex (which protect against irritants), and emotional (which are caused by feelings).
- The act of crying can release stress hormones, which can make you feel better after shedding tears.
Psychology
- Crying is considered a natural response to emotions, and studies show it can help improve mood by releasing tension.
- Research suggests that emotional tears contain higher levels of certain stress-related hormones compared to basal tears.
- People often feel a sense of relief or catharsis after crying, which can foster emotional healing.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, tears are associated with the expression of deep sorrow, but they can also signify joy and relief.
- Some societies celebrate crying as a part of important life events, such as weddings or funerals, acknowledging the mixture of emotions.
- In literature and film, tears are often used as powerful symbols of love, loss, and resilience.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, various societies have viewed tears as a sign of vulnerability, while others see them as a courageous expression of emotion.
- Icons in ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, used symbols related to tears to signify mourning and grief in their art.
- Tears have been depicted as sacred in religious texts, often symbolizing repentance and emotional connection with the divine.
Art and Literature
- Many famous works of art and literature use tears to express complex human emotions, portraying characters in moments of deep reflection.
- Poets often describe tears as symbols of beauty and longing, capturing the essence of the human experience.
- In fairy tales, tears are sometimes magical, believed to bring about healing or happiness when shed for those in need.
Origin of 'tears'
The word 'tears' originated from the Old English word 'tear', which is related to the Dutch word 'traan' and the German word 'Trรคne'. Tears have been associated with human emotions for centuries, symbolizing both sorrow and joy. The act of crying tears is a universal expression of human emotion, with tears being a natural response to various stimuli such as sadness, happiness, pain, or irritation.
See also: tear, teardrop, tearful, tearjerker.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #2,836, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.
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- 2833 extraordinary
- 2834 plaintiffs
- 2835 hill
- 2836 tears
- 2837 illness
- 2838 discipline
- 2839 sorry
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