Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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weep, weeps, weeping, wept

Synonyms: cry, sob, wail, lament, mourn

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Antonyms: laugh, rejoice, smile, celebrate, cheer

The Verb Weep – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb weep is an irregular verb that means to cry or shed tears. It is generally considered a more formal, literary, or intense word than 'cry.'


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: weep
■ Past Simple: wept
■ Past Participle: wept
■ Present Participle/Gerund: weeping


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Weep' is used to describe crying, often implying a deep sadness and possibly less noise than 'crying.'


1. Crying
This is its primary meaning.


■ Emotion: 'He wept silently at the funeral.'
■ Joy: 'She wept with joy when she heard the news.'


2. Oozing Liquid (Less common)
This refers to a wound exuding liquid.


■ Medical: 'The sore on his arm was still weeping.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'WEEP' VS. 'CRY'


■ Tone and Intensity: 'Cry' is the general, neutral term for shedding tears, which can be loud or quiet. 'Weep' often suggests a quieter, more profound, and longer-lasting sorrow. You are more likely to read 'weep' in a novel than to hear it in a casual conversation.


■ 'Weeping Willow': The name of the tree with long, drooping branches comes from this verb, as the tree looks like it is 'weeping.'