WordGarden.iolachrymose
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈlækriˌmoʊz/
Meanings
Adjective
tearful or inclined to cry
mournfully sentimental or tear-jerking in tone
Beyond the definition
If someone describes a movie as "lachrymose," expect a real tearjerker. The word lachrymose does not simply mean sad; it suggests a lot of tears and open emotion. Think of a character in an old novel sobbing into a handkerchief. It can also describe people who cry easily. The tone is often a little dramatic, though not always in a bad way. You might say your grandmother is a sweet, lachrymose woman who cries at every Hallmark commercial.
The word "lachrymose" comes from the Latin word lacrima, meaning "tear." It describes something characterized by or provoking tears – not just simple sadness, but a kind of overflowing, almost theatrical grief. While many things can be sad, something lachrymose actively elicits tears.
You'll often encounter "lachrymose" when discussing art, literature, or film. A lachrymose novel might be full of tragic love stories and heartbreaking losses. A lachrymose song could have a mournful melody and lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. It's not just the subject matter that's sad; it's how it's presented – with an emphasis on emotional intensity.
However, "lachrymose" can also describe people. A lachrymose individual is someone who tends to cry easily or express sadness openly and frequently. This isn't necessarily a criticism; it simply highlights their emotional sensitivity. You might say, "He was a kind but lachrymose man, deeply affected by the suffering of others."
Be careful not to confuse "lachrymose" with just plain sad! It carries a stronger connotation of excessive emotion and tearfulness. So next time you encounter something that truly brings tears to your eyes – or someone who seems perpetually on the verge of weeping – remember the word lachrymose and its connection to the flowing of tears.
Examples
- 1
Emotional reaction
After two glasses of wine, he became lachrymose and started talking about his childhood.
- 2
Memorial speech
She gave a lachrymose speech at the memorial, but it never felt false or dramatic.
- 3
Film review
The film turns lachrymose in the final act, with swelling music and long goodbyes.
- Usage
In reviews, lachrymose often suggests too much sentimentality.
- 4
Literary tone
The novel’s lachrymose tone made even small losses feel tragic.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- dry-eyed
- stoic
Used with (collocations)
- lachrymose mood
- lachrymose tone
- lachrymose sentimentality
Word family
- lachrymosely
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lachrymoseadjective