A2verb 1K

Cry

🇬🇧 UK /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Cry

to produce tears from your eyes because you are unhappy or hurt

In simple words: To produce tears from your eyes because you are sad or hurt.

Cry in a sentence

• The baby will cry when she is hungry.
• It's okay to cry when you feel sad.
• He began to cry out for help during the storm.
• She didn’t cry at the sad movie, but many did.

How to use Cry

Used in both formal and informal situations. Appropriate for expressing sadness, pain, or deep emotion, but can be informal when used in a light-hearted context (e.g., 'cry with laughter'). Avoid using in overly casual contexts when discussing serious matters.

Grammar pattern

cry + object (e.g., cry tears)

Memory hint

Think of a 'crying baby' who can't stop making noise and is very sad.

Related words

Collocations with Cry

• a lot
• hard
• a little
• begin to
• start to
• want to
• about
• for
• over
• cry like a baby
• cry your eyes out
• cry yourself to sleep
• aloud
• out
• suddenly
• want to
• hear somebody
• in
• cry for help
• cry out in anguish, fear, pain
• etc.

Synonyms for Cry

• weep
• wail
• sob
• bawl
• lament

Opposites of Cry

• laugh
• smile
• cheer

Common mistakes with Cry

• Confused with 'scream' — 'cry' generally refers to tears, while 'scream' refers to loud vocal sounds.
• Using 'cry' as a transitive verb incorrectly — 'cry' does not take a direct object in this context.
• Mixing up 'cry' with 'weeping' — 'cry' can be more general while 'weeping' implies deeper, more intense emotion.

Frequently asked questions about Cry

What does Cry mean?

To produce tears from your eyes because you are sad or hurt.

What is the definition of Cry?

to produce tears from your eyes because you are unhappy or hurt

How do you use Cry in a sentence?

The baby will cry when she is hungry.

Can you give another example of Cry?

It's okay to cry when you feel sad.

What are synonyms for Cry?

Common alternatives include weep, wail, sob, bawl, lament.

What is the opposite of Cry?

Opposite meanings include laugh, smile, cheer.

What words go with Cry?

It commonly pairs with a lot, hard, a little, begin to, start to, want to, about, for, over, cry like a baby, cry your eyes out, cry yourself to sleep, aloud, out, suddenly, want to, hear somebody, in, cry for help, cry out in anguish, fear, pain, etc..

What are common mistakes when using Cry?

Confused with 'scream' — 'cry' generally refers to tears, while 'scream' refers to loud vocal sounds. Using 'cry' as a transitive verb incorrectly — 'cry' does not take a direct object in this context. Mixing up 'cry' with 'weeping' — 'cry' can be more general while 'weeping' implies deeper, more intense emotion.

How do you pronounce Cry?

US: /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Cry?

Used in both formal and informal situations. Appropriate for expressing sadness, pain, or deep emotion, but can be informal when used in a light-hearted context (e.g., 'cry with laughter'). Avoid using in overly casual contexts when discussing serious matters.

What CEFR level is Cry?

"Cry" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.