lachrymose

/ˈlækrəˌmoʊs/

Other forms: lachrymosely

A good place to see a display of lachrymose sorrow is at a funeral — people sobbing openly or sniffling quietly into their hankies. To be lachrymose, in other words, is to be tearful.

Lachrymose is not a word used much in everyday speech; you wouldn't say, for example, "I feel a bit lachrymose today." No, you'd probably say, "I feel a bit weepy today." Lachrymose is generally confined to use as a written critical term, often meaning much the same as sentimental. Books and plays and films can all be lachrymose, if their intent is to induce shameless sniveling.

Definitions of lachrymose

1. adjective

   showing sorrow
   synonyms: dolorous, dolourous, tearful, weeping

   sorrowful

   experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss