Misty-eyed

Misty-eyed describes a state of having eyes that are filled with unshed tears, often due to sentimentality, nostalgia, or tenderness. It signifies a softening of emotional defenses and a heightened sensitivity to feelings. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from recalling happy memories to witnessing moving scenes. The phrase suggests a gentle and possibly vulnerable emotional state, often associated with reflecting on the past, feeling empathy, or experiencing a heightened awareness of beauty and emotion. While the physical sensation is of blurry or teary eyes, the core meaning lies in the underlying emotional response. It's a subtle indicator of deep feeling, hinting at an emotional openness and vulnerability.

Misty-eyed meaning with examples

• As she watched the old home movies, reliving her childhood, Sarah became misty-eyed, remembering the carefree days spent with her family. The simple images sparked a flood of happy memories, causing a gentle wave of nostalgia and warmth to wash over her.
• The bride's mother grew misty-eyed during the ceremony, overwhelmed with joy and love for her daughter. Witnessing her child's happiness and future, the tears welled as she reflected on the journey they had taken together and the new chapter beginning.
• Reading the letters from her deceased grandmother, Emily found herself misty-eyed. The familiar handwriting and heartfelt words sparked a deep connection to the past, evoking feelings of longing and remembering times spent.
• The old soldier, reflecting on his service, became misty-eyed as he spoke of the comrades he lost. The painful memories and feelings of camaraderie created a somber yet poignant moment of reflection for all who listened.
• After listening to the moving performance, the audience was misty-eyed. The raw emotion the musician put into their singing touched their hearts. Tears came to eyes and a general feeling of emotion flooded the auditorium