Definition of Weep
Quick Meaning of Weep
to shed tears and express sadness, often in a quiet or dignified way
Detailed Definition of Weep
to cry quietly, especially from grief or strong emotion
How to Pronounce Weep
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Long 'ee' vowel /iː/ followed by /p/ - like steep but with W at start
Origin and Etymology of Weep
Old English wēpan, from Proto-Germanic *wōp-
How to Use Weep in a Sentence
Each example shows “weep” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The baby weeps when hungry.”
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“She wept over the loss of her pet.”
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“Audiences wept during the poignant final scene.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Weep
Common Synonyms for Weep
Smart Synonyms for Weep — When to Use Each
- cry
- general term for tears
- sob
- with audible sounds
- lament
- express sorrow formally
Antonyms of Weep
Common Collocations with Weep
These phrases pair with “weep” in everyday English:
- weep for joy
- weep over loss
- weep silently
- weep with grief
Common Mistakes When Using Weep
Even fluent speakers slip up with “weep”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He weeped at the movie
- ✓ Correct: He wept at the movie
- Why: weep is irregular; use wept in past tense, not weeped
- ✗ Wrong: They are wept
- ✓ Correct: They are weeping
- Why: use weeping form for continuous, not past participle wept
Words Confused With Weep
- Weep vs Cry: Cry is general; weep is quieter, more dignified, and literary
Other Forms of Weep
Frequently Asked Questions About Weep
What is the meaning of "Weep"?
to shed tears and express sadness, often in a quiet or dignified way
How do you pronounce "Weep"?
The IPA is /wiːp/. Long 'ee' vowel /iː/ followed by /p/ - like steep but with W at start
What part of speech is "Weep"?
"Weep" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Weep"?
Common synonyms include sob, shed tears, lament.
How do you use "Weep" in a sentence?
For example: "The baby weeps when hungry."