Word
tears
/ˈtɛɹz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the salty liquid that comes from your eyes when you are sad, happy, or hurt.
n. the drops of salty liquid secreted by the lacrimal glands in the eyes, typically associated with strong emotion or irritation.
Examples
“She wiped the tears from her face after the movie.”
“The child was in tears after falling off his bike, but he stopped crying once his mother arrived.”
“The protagonist's eyes filled with tears as he stood on the platform, watching the train pull away and realizing he might never return to his childhood home.”
Examples
simple
“She wiped the tears from her face after the movie.”
contextual
“The child was in tears after falling off his bike, but he stopped crying once his mother arrived.”
complex
“The protagonist's eyes filled with tears as he stood on the platform, watching the train pull away and realizing he might never return to his childhood home.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tears” in context.
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'in tears' to mean crying.
Synonyms
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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