lachrymose

American  

[lak-ruh-mohs] / ˈlæk rəˌmoʊs /

adjective

1. suggestive of or tending to cause tears; mournful.

2. given to shedding tears readily; tearful.

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lachrymose British  

/ -ˌməʊz, ˈlækrɪˌməʊs, ˌlækrɪˈmɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. given to weeping; tearful

2. mournful; sad

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Other Word Forms

• lachrymosely
  adverb
• lachrymosity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of lachrymose

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin lacrimōsus, equivalent to lacrim(a) “tear” ( see lachrymal) + -ōsus -ose ¹

Explanation

A good place to see a display of lachrymose sorrow is at a funeral — people sobbing openly or sniffling quietly into their hankies. To be lachrymose, in other words, is to be tearful. Lachrymose is not a word used much in everyday speech; you wouldn't say, for example, "I feel a bit lachrymose today." No, you'd probably say, "I feel a bit weepy today." Lachrymose is generally confined to use as a written critical term, often meaning much the same as sentimental. Books and plays and films can all be lachrymose, if their intent is to induce shameless sniveling.

Example Sentences

"What's the matter, Sir Lachrymose?" demanded Agnes, gaily.

From The Corner House Girls at School by Owen, R. Emmett (Robert Emmett)