teary

Everyday

1. Teary means full of tears or close to crying: teary eyes, a teary goodbye. tree →
2. Teary also describes something that makes people cry: a teary film. tree →
3. (informal) Teary-eyed means with tears in your eyes, often because you are moved, happy or sad. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows feelings gently: the character is moved but not sobbing. In everyday life it is used for goodbyes, weddings, school leavers' assemblies and sad films. Phrases: "teary-eyed", "get teary", "a teary farewell".

Examples

• Grandma got teary when we sang for her birthday. tree →
• It was a teary goodbye at the airport. tree →
• My eyes went teary when I chopped the onions. tree →
• The ending of the film made the whole class teary. tree →
• Mum was teary-eyed at my sister's graduation. tree →
• He gave a teary speech at his last assembly. tree →
• Don't get teary; we'll see each other soon. tree →

Note

Comparative: tearier, teariest. Rhymes with "dreary": the "tear" here is the drop from your eye (rhymes with "here"), not "tear" meaning to rip (rhymes with "bear"). Close words: tearful (more formal), weepy.