Tearful

/ˈtɪərfəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Characterized by or expressing feelings of sadness or sorrow, often accompanied by tears.

She had a tearful goodbye with her friends before moving away.

Showing or conveying strong emotions, often sadness or regret.

His tearful speech moved the audience to tears.

Full of or producing tears.

The tearful puppy looked up at me with big, pleading eyes.

From 'tear' (Old English 'tēar') + '-ful' (suffix meaning full of).

tearful goodbye

An emotional farewell, often accompanied by tears.

tearful eyes

Eyes filled with tears, often due to strong emotion.

tearful confession

An admission of wrongdoing made with tears or strong emotion.

tear

A drop of clear, salty liquid produced by glands in the eyes.

weep

To shed tears, often as a result of strong emotion.

cry

To produce tears as an expression of emotion.

Bawling

He was bawling after hearing the sad news.

Blubbering

She was blubbering uncontrollably during the farewell.