sobbing

Everyday

1. Sobbing is crying loudly with short, noisy breaths, because you are very sad or upset. tree →
2. To be sobbing is to cry in this way. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, sobbing shows deep sadness, like after a pet dies or a child is lost; it tells the reader the feeling is strong. In everyday life, adults comfort a sobbing child with a hug. Phrases: "burst into sobbing", "sobbing uncontrollably", "sob your heart out", "a sob story".

Examples

• We heard sobbing from the bedroom. tree →
• The little girl was sobbing because she had lost her mum in the shop. tree →
• He sobbed when his dog passed away. tree →
• The sobbing stopped when Grandma gave her a hug. tree →
• I sobbed my heart out at the end of the film. tree →
• (informal) Don't give me that sob story — you just forgot your homework! tree →
• “But is it really so?” asked the Marionette, sobbing bitterly. tree →

Note

Verb: sob, sobbed, sobbing (double b). "Sobbing" is stronger and noisier than "crying"; "weeping" is quieter and more formal; "whimpering" is small, weak cries. A "sob story" (informal) is a sad tale told to get sympathy.