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Weep Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weep

[wiหp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

crying

To express sorrow or grief by shedding tears; to cry.

Synonyms

cry, sob, tear up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weep

Used in more formal or poetic contexts. It often implies a profound sadness.

  • She began to weep quietly after hearing the tragic news.
  • The statue seemed to weep silently in the rain.
cry

A general term used in everyday language for shedding tears. It can represent a range of emotions from sadness to joy.

  • He couldn't help but cry during the emotional movie.
  • She started to cry when she heard the good news.
sob

Refers to crying noisily with convulsive gasps, often out of deep sorrow or distress.

  • He sobbed uncontrollably at the funeral.
  • She couldn't stop sobbing after the breakup.
tear up

Describes the act of tears forming in the eyes, often due to a brief emotional reaction.

  • She couldn't help but tear up during the touching speech.
  • He teared up when he saw the surprise party.

Examples of usage

  • She wept when she heard the news.
  • The child wept loudly for his lost toy.
Context #2 | Noun

tears

Tears shed as an expression of emotion.

Synonyms

crying, sorrow, tears.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weep

Used in a poetic or literary context, often to describe deep emotional pain or sadness.

  • The widow wept silently at her husband's grave.
  • He couldn't help but weep for the loss of his childhood home.
tears

Refers to the drops of water that come from the eyes when someone is crying. It can be used to describe both the physical act of crying and the tears themselves.

  • She wiped away her tears with a tissue.
  • Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke.
crying

A general term for shedding tears, it can describe anything from mild sadness to intense grief. It is commonly used in everyday language.

  • She was crying after watching the sad movie.
  • The baby is crying because he is hungry.
sorrow

Denotes a deep, profound sense of sadness or grief. Often used to refer to the emotion or state itself rather than the act of crying.

  • He felt deep sorrow after hearing of his friend's passing.
  • Her heart was filled with sorrow when she learned the news.

Examples of usage

  • Her cheeks were wet with weep.
  • The weep in her eyes showed her deep sadness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying can have stress-relieving effects, helping to reduce tension and improve emotional well-being.
  • Studies suggest that weeping is a natural response that helps humans express and process grief or sadness.
  • Tears shed during emotional moments contain higher levels of stress hormones, indicating a biological function to crying.

Literature

  • Weeping is a powerful motif in literature, often symbolizing loss, pain, or catharsis in works like Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • Famous poems, such as Edgar Allan Poeโ€™s 'Annabel Lee,' evoke the act of weeping as a representation of love and longing.
  • Many authors use weeping to depict character vulnerability, making it a crucial element in storytelling.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, public crying is seen as a communal way to express grief, allowing others to empathize and share in sorrow.
  • Ritual weeping is practiced in various traditions, offering a way to honor the deceased and process mourning.
  • Many societies view weeping as an essential part of healing, encouraging individuals to express their emotions visibly.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often feature the theme of weeping to evoke strong emotions, such as Adeleโ€™s 'Someone Like You,' which reflects heartbreak.
  • Films frequently portray weeping as a key emotional release, with iconic scenes that resonate with audiences, like in 'The Notebook.'
  • Social media trends sometimes use weeping emojis to express exaggerated sadness or humor, showcasing modern interpretations of emotional expression.

Origin of 'weep'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'weep' comes from the Old English 'wฤ“pan,' which means 'to cry or weep.'
  • Related words in other languages include the Old Norse 'grรกta' and the German 'weinen,' showing a common emotion across cultures.
  • The earliest records of the word date back to the 11th century, illustrating its long-standing presence in the English language.

The word 'weep' originated from Old English 'wฤ“pan', which is of Germanic origin. It has been used in English since the 8th century. The verb 'weep' has been a common expression of sadness or grief throughout history, with tears being a universal symbol of emotion.

See also: weeping, weepy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,261, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.