weep
weep
Weep (verb) means to cry, especially with sobbing, as an expression of strong emotion. Example: “She wept quietly at the back of the church.”
verb
1
To cry, especially with sobbing, as an expression of strong emotion.
"She wept quietly at the back of the church."
"He wept with relief when he heard the good news."
2
To ooze or seep moisture in small amounts, as a wound or damp wall might.
"The wound continued to weep for a couple of days."
How to use weep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cry tears, or, less commonly, to slowly leak moisture.
When to use it
"Weep" is more literary and emotionally intense than plain "cry".
Common pairings
weep for joy
weep openly
wound weeping
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Word forms
- Plural
- weeps
- Third person singular
- weeps
- Past tense
- wept, weeped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wound continued to _____ for a couple of days.
Etymology
From Old English wēpan ("to weep, lament"), from a Germanic root meaning "to cry out".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for weep
See all rhymes for weep →Frequently asked questions
What does “weep” mean?
The word “weep” means to cry, especially with sobbing, as an expression of strong emotion. In plain terms, to cry tears, or, less commonly, to slowly leak moisture.
How do you pronounce “weep”?
“Weep” is pronounced weep (/wiːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “weep” in a sentence?
Here is “weep” used in a sentence: “The wound continued to weep for a couple of days.”
What is another word for “weep”?
Words with a similar meaning to “weep” include beweep, burst into tears, cry, cry one's eyes out, greet and shed a tear.
What is the opposite of “weep”?
The opposite of “weep” — its antonyms — is laugh.
What part of speech is “weep”?
“Weep” is a verb.
Where does the word “weep” come from?
The word “weep” comes from Old English. From Old English wēpan ("to weep, lament"), from a Germanic root meaning "to cry out".
Is “weep” a common word?
“Weep” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
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