Tear-stained

Describing something, typically a person's face, a garment, or a written document, that bears visible marks or traces left by tears. It conveys a sense of sadness, grief, sorrow, or strong emotion having recently been experienced. These marks may appear as wet streaks, smudges, or dried residue from tears that have flowed, often indicating moments of intense emotional vulnerability. The term suggests a specific visual cue, an outward manifestation of an inward emotional state. The implied emotional context behind the tears is a significant part of the definition's usage, often painting a picture of poignant scenes and narratives.

Tear-stained meaning with examples

• The little girl, lost and frightened, clutched her teddy bear, her tear-stained face reflecting the flickering lamplight. Patches of wetness and smeared mascara streaked her cheeks, telling a silent story of separation and fear. It was a heartbreaking scene that would resonate with the most stoic observers.
• The worn photograph, its edges frayed, held the memories of a past love. A dark blotch of tear-stained evidence sat across the bride's eyes, a testament to the profound sorrow experienced when she let her loved one leave.
• She handed him the letter, the paper slightly crumpled and marked with the faint outline of a tear-stained droplet on the lower left. The words were heartfelt but were barely visible due to their illegibility from the water damage.
• The actress, overcome with emotion during the final scene, delivered her lines with a tear-stained vulnerability that brought the audience to tears. The dramatic pause between words was even more effective than planned, it was a raw expression that felt real.