What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
keening
Example
The women began keening when they saw the coffin being carried out of the house. [keening: verb]
Example
The sound of keening echoed through the valley as the mourners grieved their loss. [keening: noun]
crying
Example
She couldn't stop crying after hearing the news. [crying: present participle]
Example
The baby's crying woke me up in the middle of the night. [crying: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crying is more commonly used than keening in everyday language. Crying is a universal expression of emotions and is used in various contexts, while keening is less common and is specific to Irish culture and mourning practices.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between keening and crying?
Keening is typically associated with a formal and solemn tone due to its association with mourning and funerals. Crying, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
