dewy-eyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dewy-eyed' is correct and can be used in written English.
It means having a gentle, innocent, or sentimental appearance or expression. Example: The bride walked down the aisle with her dewy-eyed bridesmaids following closely behind. The little girl's dewy-eyed expression melted the hearts of everyone in the room. She spoke with a dewy-eyed optimism, convinced that everything would work out in the end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Your mother can be somewhat dewy-eyed".

The New Yorker

Streisand herself wasn't always so dewy-eyed.

The Guardian - Music

Upbeat, yes – but not dewy-eyed.

The Guardian - Film

But it's anything but a dewy-eyed love story.

The New York Times

The Pre-Raphaelites venerated her as a dewy-eyed damsel.

Independent

Dewy-eyed again, I am so happy to be back.

Independent

EB Don't get dewy-eyed about the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he is not dewy-eyed about Castro.

The Guardian

I'm not the only dewy-eyed romantic on this topic.

The New York Times

Abercrombie's house music must be on, dewy-eyed salesgirls explain.

The New York Times

But maybe I have a dewy-eyed view.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dewy-eyed" to subtly convey a character's emotional state or naivete, adding depth and nuance to your writing. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "dewy-eyed" solely to describe overly sentimental or melodramatic situations. While it can imply sentimentality, it also suggests innocence or a fresh perspective, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dewy-eyed" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing a quality or characteristic related to the eyes, specifically a moist, glistening appearance or an expression of innocence. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of it being used to describe a person's emotional state or naivete.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "dewy-eyed" describes someone with moist, glistening eyes, often indicating strong emotions or naivete. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its prevalence in various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for descriptive writing. Related phrases like "teary-eyed" and "sentimental" offer similar connotations. When using "dewy-eyed", writers should ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and avoid overusing it. Overall, "dewy-eyed" is a versatile adjective that adds depth to descriptions of emotional states and perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teary-eyed

Focuses specifically on the presence of tears in the eyes, suggesting sadness or strong emotion. Has a more literal meaning.

tender-hearted

Implies a gentle and caring nature, easily moved by emotions.

sentimental

Emphasizes the emotional aspect, suggesting a tendency towards tender or nostalgic feelings.

easily touched

Highlights the susceptibility to emotional impact, suggesting a sensitive disposition.

naive and innocent

Highlights the lack of experience or guile, implying a childlike simplicity.

wide-eyed

Emphasizes the openness and wonder in the eyes, suggesting surprise or eagerness.

full of wonder

Emphasizes a sense of awe and amazement, often associated with childlike innocence.

soft-hearted

Focuses on the compassionate and empathetic nature of the person.

idealistic

Highlights a belief in perfectibility and a tendency to see things in an overly positive light.

overly nostalgic

Emphasizes a longing for the past, often with a romanticized view of it.

FAQs

How can I use "dewy-eyed" in a sentence?

"Dewy-eyed" can be used to describe someone who is either on the verge of tears, experiencing strong emotions, or is particularly naive. For example, "The bride was "dewy-eyed" as she walked down the aisle" or "He had a "dewy-eyed" view of the world".

What's a good substitute for "dewy-eyed"?

Depending on the context, you could use "teary-eyed" if referring to someone on the verge of crying, or "naive" or "innocent" if referring to someone lacking experience.

Is it appropriate to use "dewy-eyed" in formal writing?

While "dewy-eyed" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In highly formal or academic contexts, more precise language might be preferable. However, in news articles or descriptive writing, it can be quite effective.

What does it mean if someone is described as "dewy-eyed"?

It suggests they are experiencing strong emotions, are about to cry, or possess a naive or innocent perspective. The specific meaning depends on the context.