Cry Meaning and Definition
Cry
Pronunciation
/ˈkraɪ/
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definition
Cry is a verb that means to produce tears as a result of strong emotions, such as sadness, grief, or pain. It can also be a noun, referring to the act of crying or a loud, sorrowful sound.
Examples
1. “She cried tears of joy when she heard the good news.”
2. “The baby’s cry echoed through the hallway.”
Synonyms
1. Weep
2. Sob
3. Wail
Antonyms
1. Laugh
2. Smile
Additional Information
Crying is a natural human response to emotional stimuli, and it can serve as a way to release tension and communicate emotions to others. There are different types of crying, including emotional crying, which is triggered by emotional stimuli, and reflex crying, which is triggered by physical stimuli such as eye irritation.
Crying can also have physical benefits, such as releasing endorphins, which can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Additionally, crying can be a way to communicate and connect with others, as it can convey emotions and needs in a way that words may not be able to.
However, excessive or chronic crying can be a sign of underlying emotional or psychological issues, and it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional if crying is interfering with daily life.
Etymology
The word “cry” comes from the Old English word “crīgan,” which means “to call out” or “to shout.” This word is also related to the Old Norse word “kríja,” which means “to cry out” or “to scream.”
Usage Notes
The word “cry” can be used in a variety of contexts, including emotional crying, reflex crying, and figurative crying (e.g., “I’m crying on the inside”). It can also be used as a verb or a noun, depending on the context.
Cultural References
The word “cry” has been used in a variety of cultural references, including music (e.g., “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake), literature (e.g., “The Cry” by John Grisham), and film (e.g., “The Cry” by Mark Robson).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Cry over spilled milk” (meaning to worry about something that has already happened and cannot be changed)
2. “Cry wolf” (meaning to raise a false alarm or to lie about something)
Collocations
1. Cry out
2. Cry for help
3. Cry of despair
Frequency of Use
The word “cry” is a relatively common word in modern language, and it is often used in everyday conversation and writing.
Common Misspellings
1. Crye
2. Crie
3. Cryed