Meaning & Definition of word "Tearful"

Tearful

/ˈtɪərfəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Characterized by or expressing feelings of sadness or sorrow, often accompanied by tears.
    • Example: She had a tearful goodbye with her friends before moving away.
  • 2. Showing or conveying strong emotions, often sadness or regret.
    • Example: His tearful speech moved the audience to tears.
  • 3. Full of or producing tears.
    • Example: The tearful puppy looked up at me with big, pleading eyes.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of tearful

Meaning: Bawling

Example Sentence: He was bawling after hearing the sad news.

Meaning: Blubbering

Example Sentence: She was blubbering uncontrollably during the farewell.