cry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cry Word Meanings
- to produce tears from the eyes due to emotion
- to shout or call out loudly
- a shout of distress or sorrow
cry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kraɪ/
US
/kraɪ/
cry Word Etymology
The word 'cry' decomposes into the root 'cry' meaning 'to call out'. It comes from Old English 'crygan', which has roots in Latin and Germanic languages. Imagine a person loudly calling for help during a storm, embodying both emotional distress and urgency.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I lean forward a bit, letting my shoulders shift as I breathe in. I feel the pressure rise, and I push the moment to the front of my mind, then the tears move along my cheeks. It feels raw and a little awkward, like I am choosing how loud to be, how much to let out. In everyday use, I learn to use this turning point to express quiet sorrow or a sudden shout when the heart is heavy.
Real Context
cry is a flexible English word with two broad uses. As a verb, it covers shedding tears because of an emotion or pain, and it can also mean to speak or shout loudly, especially to call for help. As a noun, a cry is the sound of a tearful voice or a loud shout expressing distress or sorrow. In everyday English you will hear phrases like cry out for help, cry with laughter, or cry wolf. The word also appears in idioms such as cry wolf. Understanding the nuance between emotional crying and urgent shouting helps avoid misusing it in formal writing.
Usage Reminders
- - Cry often involves tears or a vocal expression of emotion
- - Use cry out for help to emphasize urgency
- - Cry can be a noun (the cry of distress) or a verb (to cry)
- - Differentiate cry from scream or shout by intensity and emotion
- - Collocations: cry with laughter, cry yourself to sleep
Common Misconceptions
- Cry only happens when someone is sad; it can be a reaction to joy or fear too.
- Cry and scream are interchangeable in all contexts.
- The noun cry always refers to tears.
- Cry never involves calling for help.
- Cry is never used in formal writing.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, cry is a broad term tied to both tears and vocal alarms. Learners often confuse crying with shouting in all contexts, or assume the noun always implies tears. Emphasize the distinction between noun and verb forms and the common phrasal patterns.
Learning Tips
- Practice both verb and noun forms in sentences
- Learn common phrasal verbs with cry: cry out, cry for help
- Distinguish crying with tears from crying out with urgency
- Notice collocations with laughter and distress
- Pair cry with verbs of emotion correctly
- Keep formal writing in mind; prefer 'wept' over 'cried' in some contexts
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'cry'?
A.To laugh loudly
B.To shed tears
C.To sing melodically
D.To jump joyfully
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'cry' correctly?
A.The baby cried at the beautiful sunset.
B.I usually cry when I see a funny movie.
C.John cries loudly when he is laughing.
D.Mary loves to cry when she is happy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'cry'?
A.Laugh
B.Sob
C.Shout
D.Smile
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cry'?
A.Celebrate
B.Laugh
C.Rejoice
D.Sigh
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'cry'?
A.The baby is hungry.
B.The friend consoles another friend who is crying.
C.The students are excited for the field trip.
D.The athlete won a gold medal.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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