lachrymose
UK: ˈlæk.rɪ.məʊs | US: ˈlæk.rɪ.moʊs
adj. tending to cry easily; tearful
adj. inducing tears; mournful or sad
The word lachrymose traces back to the Latin lacrima (tear), which evolved into lachryma in Medieval Latin due to spelling influences from Greek dákryma. The suffix -ose (meaning "full of") was added in English to form an adjective describing someone prone to tears or something sorrowful. The spelling lachrym- preserves the archaic Latin-influenced form, distinct from the modern lacrimal (related to tears in anatomy). This word vividly encapsulates the interplay between bodily expression and emotion.
The lachrymose child wept at the slightest disappointment.
Her lachrymose speech moved the audience to tears.
The film’s lachrymose ending left everyone sniffling.
He grew lachrymose while reminiscing about his youth.
The funeral’s lachrymose atmosphere was overwhelming.