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Tearful - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tearful means filled with or accompanied by tears, often due to sadness, emotion, or distress. It describes someone who is crying or on the verge of crying. Example: She gave a tearful goodbye.

tearful

/ˈtɪrfəl/ /ˈtɪəfʊl/

Definition:

Filled with or shedding tears, showing sadness or sorrow.

Synonyms:

Weepy, lachrymose, mournful, sorrowful

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Cheerful, joyful

Common Collocations:

Tearful goodbye, tearful eyes, tearful reunion

Derivatives:

Tearfully, tearfulness

Usage Tips:

Use "tearful" to describe someone visibly crying or on the verge of tears due to emotion.

Common Phrases:

Tearful farewell, tearful apology, tearful confession

Etymology:

Derived from "tear" (drop from the eye) + "-ful" (full of), first recorded in the 16th century.

Examples:

  • 1. She gave a tearful speech at the ceremony.
  • 2. The movie’s ending left everyone feeling tearful.
  • 3. He was tearful after hearing the sad news.
  • 4. Her tearful eyes revealed her deep grief.

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