what's the difference between cry and weep? I am a spanish speaker, I am learning english?

Question

in spanish they mean the same thing cry and weep

Answer 1

At root, "cry" is more about making a loud SOUND, "weep" concerns the shedding of TEARS. But "cry" has become a more general word

It is NOT correct to suggest that one of them is a stronger word than the other; it all depends on the context (and in some instances they can be used interchangeably)

Here's the beginning of the American Heritage Dictionary's explanation of the differences between a whole set of synonyms, including "cry" and "weep". (Follow the link for the rest of it.)

Synonyms: cry, weep, wail, keen2, whimper, sob, blubber1
These verbs mean to make inarticulate sounds of grief, unhappiness, or pain. Cry and weep both involve the shedding of tears; cry more strongly implies accompanying sound:
"She cried without trying to suppress any of the noisier manifestations of grief and confusion" J. D. Salinger.
"I weep for what I'm like when I'm alone" Theodore Roethke.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cry

(Also, read the rest of the dictionary entry for "cry",
Compare: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cry )

Answer 2

Crying is simple tears and not real intense, but a person can cry when sad or happy. Weeping is intense crying and really sad like someone died or is really sick. People don't weep when they are happy or a little sad. A cry can also be a scream.

Answer 3

Cry is more of a short, quiet, tearful experience, like when your toe gets stepped on, and weeping is a powerful yell from your body, accomponied with many tears, thick spit, and flem in the throat. Weeping also makes your nose run.

Answer 4

.a cry is a sound a weep is a tear . cry could mean someone crying out loud or the cry of a wild animal a weep could mean your eye weeps a single tear or a weeping wound or pipe that slowly drips.

Answer 5

I think its pretty much the same thing but to use the word weep seems like a stronger word to use, like when one is mourning.

Answer 6

weeping is more intense than crying, not many people say weep, cry is the most popular.

Answer 7

To cry means, to shed tears because of sadness, rage or pain. To proclaim or announce in public. Demand immediate action.
To weep is another word for cry, it also means to shed tears because of sadness, rage or pain.

Answer 8

they mean the same thing, cry and weep.

Answer 9

they mean basically the same thing, although people usually use weep when it is a more serious, soulful cry.

significan lo mismo en ingles tambien, solo que hay veces usan el sugundo, weep, cuando alguien esta llorando profundamente.

Answer 10

They both mean the same thing in English too.