tears (A2)
noun
Pronunciation: /tɪərz/
Definition
A drop of clear salty liquid secreted from glands in the eye, often shed in sadness, pain, or joy.
Examples
His eyes welled up with tears of happiness.
She wiped away a tear as she read the letter.
How to Use tears
- tears of joy (collocation)
- tears shed due to extreme happiness or relief. — "She cried tears of joy when she heard she had won the lottery."
- tears of sadness (collocation)
- tears shed due to sorrow or grief. — "He couldn't hide his tears of sadness at the funeral."
- well up with tears (phrasal verb)
- to have eyes fill with tears. — "Her eyes began to well up with tears as she recalled the memory."
- hold back tears (collocation)
- to try not to cry. — "He tried to hold back tears during the emotional speech."
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary