A2verb1K

Cry

UK /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/kraɪ/","/kraɪz/","/kraɪd/","/ˈkraɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • weep
  • wail
  • sob
  • bawl
  • lament

Antonyms

  • laugh
  • smile
  • cheer

Common mistakes

  • 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.