crying

word · lemma: cry

/ˈkɹaɪɪŋ/
KRY-ing
/kɹˈaɪɪŋ/
KRY-ing

Definition

The act of producing tears because of sadness, pain, or strong emotion. It can also describe the action of someone who is shedding tears.

Usage & Nuances

As a noun, it appears in phrases like 'the sound of crying' or 'a crying baby'. As a verb form/adjective, 'crying' is common in patterns like 'She is crying' and 'I found him crying'. Don't confuse it with 'cry' meaning 'shout' in older or literary uses.

Example Sentences

The baby is crying again.

basic

I heard crying in the next room.

basic

Why are you crying? Did something happen?

natural

She sat on the bed, crying softly.

basic

I’m not crying, my eyes just hurt from the smoke.

natural

He called me crying, so I knew it was serious.

natural