What does lachrymose mean?
Lachrymose is a formal adjective meaning tearful or inclined to weep. It can also suggest a readiness to shed tears over sentiment, and in modern use it often carries a faintly disapproving edge: someone described this way may seem melodramatic or excessively emotional. The word is most at home in literary description and formal criticism rather than everyday conversation. A lachrymose voice, for example, may tremble with feeling, whereas a stoic response conveys the opposite manner. Although its sound can seem severe or funereal, its meaning is specifically associated with tears rather than grief alone. Learning the word gives writers a precise alternative to simply saying “tearful,” while also signalling that the emotional display may be excessive or theatrical. It is therefore useful in literary analysis, satire, and carefully worded description of behaviour.
adjectiveInclined to weep or easily moved to tears; often suggesting excessive emotion or sentimentality.
- Inclined to weep or shedding tears.
- Excessively emotional or given to melodramatic displays of feeling.
"Her lachrymose apology did little to soften the room."
"Her lachrymose apology did little to soften the room."
"The actors delivered a lachrymose farewell, complete with tears and promises of reunion."
Lachrymose looks solemn, but its meaning is more straightforward: tearful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lachrymose come from?
Lachrymose entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective lachrymosus, meaning “full of tears” or “weeping.” The Latin word was formed from lacrima, meaning “tear,” which also underlies English words such as lacrimal and lacrimatory.
Related word forms
How lachrymose is actually used
Lachrymose is formal and literary rather than everyday. It can sound sympathetic, but it often carries a disapproving or gently mocking implication of excessive emotion or sentimentality.
Easily confused with lachrymose
Lachrymose describes someone or something as tearful, whereas lacrimal means relating to the tears or the structures that produce and drain them.