What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wept
Example
She wept silently as she watched the sad movie. [wept: past tense]
Example
He wept tears of joy when he saw his newborn baby. [wept: verb]
sobbed
Example
She sobbed loudly when she heard the news of her friend's death. [sobbed: past tense]
Example
He sobbed uncontrollably when he found out he didn't get the job. [sobbed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wept is more commonly used than sobbed in everyday language. Wept is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sobbed is less common and often reserved for more intense emotional situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wept and sobbed?
Both wept and sobbed are considered formal words and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, wept may be more appropriate in formal situations due to its more restrained and controlled nature.
