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Weeping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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weeping

[หˆwiหpษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

crying

Shedding tears as an expression of pain, distress, or sorrow. Weeping is a natural human response to emotional situations and can provide a release of pent-up emotions.

Synonyms

crying, sobbing, tearful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weeping

Often used in more poetic or literary contexts, conveying a sense of deep, prolonged sorrow or grief.

  • She was found weeping silently in the garden
  • The statue stood weeping in the rain
crying

The most general term for shedding tears and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts. It usually describes a range of emotions, from sadness to frustration or pain.

  • The baby was crying all night
  • He started crying when he heard the news
tearful

Describes someone who is on the verge of crying or has tears in their eyes but may not necessarily be crying aloud. Often used for emotional moments.

  • She gave a tearful farewell to her friends
  • His voice was tearful when he spoke about his late mother
sobbing

Describes a stronger, more audible expression of crying involving convulsive breaths, often used to show more intense grief or distress.

  • She was sobbing uncontrollably after the funeral
  • He collapsed on the floor, sobbing loudly

Examples of usage

  • She was weeping uncontrollably at the funeral.
  • The child was weeping because he lost his favorite toy.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional expression

The act of crying or shedding tears, often associated with sadness or grief. Weeping can also be a sign of empathy or compassion towards others who are suffering.

Synonyms

crying, sobbing, tears.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weeping

Used to describe a state of deep sorrow, often with continuous or quiet sound. Typically more poetic or descriptive.

  • She was weeping silently by the window.
  • The weeping of the mourners filled the church.
crying

A general term for shedding tears, usually with sound. It can be used in various emotional contexts including sadness, joy, or frustration.

  • The baby was crying all night.
  • He was crying tears of joy.
tears

Emphasizes the physical aspect of crying, the tears themselves, rather than the act. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • Tears rolled down her cheeks.
  • He was moved to tears by the speech.
sobbing

Refers to crying with convulsive catching of the breath, indicating intense emotions, often deeper than just crying.

  • She was sobbing uncontrollably after hearing the news.
  • His sobbing made everyone in the room feel his pain.

Examples of usage

  • Her weeping during the movie moved everyone in the audience.
  • The weeping of the mother touched the hearts of the onlookers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying can serve as a natural stress reliever, releasing built-up emotions.
  • Studies indicate that weeping can help improve mood by lowering levels of stress hormones in the body.
  • Tears contain a natural painkiller called leucine enkephalin, which can help ease emotional distress.

Literature

  • Weeping often appears as a theme in poetry and literature, symbolizing deep sorrow or loss.
  • Classic works, like Shakespeare's plays, use weeping to depict vulnerability and humanity in characters.
  • The act of weeping can also signify reconciliation or catharsis, allowing characters to move on from grief.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, crying is seen as an important way to express grief and is often observed during funerals.
  • Weeping is portrayed in art and music, reflecting its universal presence in human experience.
  • Some societies encourage crying as a healthy emotional release, while others may view it as a sign of weakness.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton evoke weeping, connecting listeners to feelings of loss.
  • Movies often dramatize weeping, enhancing emotional moments and connecting audiences to characters.
  • Weeping has been featured in iconic art pieces, such as paintings that depict sorrowful figures conveying profound emotion.

Origin of 'weeping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'weeping' comes from the Old English 'wฤ“pan,' which means to weep or cry.
  • In many languages, the root word for crying often reflects sounds made when someone cries, like 'sob' or 'weep.'
  • Historically, many cultures had expressions or sayings related to crying, showing its importance in human emotion.

The word 'weeping' originated from the Middle English word 'wepen', which meant to lament or cry aloud. It has been used in English literature for centuries to describe the act of crying or shedding tears. Weeping is a universal human behavior that has been portrayed in art, music, and poetry as a powerful expression of emotion and vulnerability.

See also: weep, weepy.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,103 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.