“Bring tears to one’s eyes” is a common idiomatic expression that refers to an emotional response to a situation or event. The phrase is often used to describe something that is particularly moving or touching, and can be used in a variety of contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “bring tears to one’s eyes”, its origin, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as its associations and usage in different contexts.
Definitions
The phrase “bring tears to one’s eyes” can be defined as an emotional response to a situation or event that is particularly moving or touching. The phrase is often used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed with emotion, whether it be sadness, joy, or any other strong feeling.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “bring tears to one’s eyes” is not entirely clear. The phrase has been in use for centuries, and it is likely that it evolved over time from earlier expressions that had similar meanings. Some scholars believe that the phrase may have originated in ancient Greece, where it was used to describe the emotional response of actors and audiences to tragic plays.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “bring tears to one’s eyes” means to cause someone to cry or to feel like crying. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the phrase as “to produce an emotional reaction that causes tears to flow from the eyes.”
Associations
The phrase “bring tears to one’s eyes” is often associated with strong emotions, particularly those that are related to love, loss, or nostalgia. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from heartwarming moments to tragic events. The phrase is often used in literature, music, and film to evoke a powerful emotional response from the audience.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “bring tears to one’s eyes” include:
- Move to tears.
- Touch the heart.
- Melt the heart.
- Stir the emotions.
- Tug at the heartstrings.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “bring tears to one’s eyes” include:
- Leave one indifferent.
- Not move one.
- Fail to touch one’s heart.
- Be unemotional.
- Be dry-eyed.
The same root words
There are no specific root words for the phrase “bring tears to one’s eyes”, but the words “tears” and “eyes” are obviously related. The word “tears” refers to the liquid that is produced by the lacrimal glands in the eyes, while “eyes” refers to the organs of sight.
Example Sentences
- The movie was so moving that it brought tears to my eyes.
- The sight of the old couple holding hands brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
- The speech was so inspiring that it brought tears to the audience’s eyes.
- The news of his death brought tears to her eyes.
- The song was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.
In conclusion, the phrase “bring tears to one’s eyes” is an idiomatic expression that describes an emotional response to a situation or event. The phrase has been in use for centuries, and it is often associated with strong emotions related to love, loss, or nostalgia. The phrase is often used in literature, music, and film to evoke a powerful emotional response from the audience.