tear·ful \ˈtirfəl, ˈtiəf-\adjective Etymology:tear (I) + -ful 1.: flowing with or accompanied by tears : weeping < tearful entreaties > 2.: causing tears < fine sense of the grim and the tearful — T.L.Peacock > • tear·ful·ly\-f(ə)lē, -li\adverb • tear·ful·nessnoun-es