rheumy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rheumy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe eyes that are watery or teary, often due to illness or irritation. Example: "After a long night of crying, her eyes were red and rheumy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even in his final frail years, when returning to France became increasingly difficult, and he struggled to walk and keep tears from rheumy eyes, Howard would perform this respectful ritual.

The Guardian

One such withered specimen, with a twinkle in his rheumy eye, made the attempt in October 1991; three years later, she married him.Related items Celebrity lawsuits: Show me the moneyMay 4th 2006J.

The Economist

The aim is to give consumers an even richer viewing experience than they had from high-definition television.Related items New uses for holography: Sensing in 3DFeb 12th 2008 Tech.view: Hrothgar's rheumy eyesNov 23rd 2007 Science: A whole new dimensionNov 15th 2007The loudest buzz at CES this year came from manufacturers bent on bringing full 3D effects into the living room.

The Economist

It was a role in which everything was expressed between the lines: a scene near the end of the story in which, with sad rheumy eyes, Ennis caresses the shirts of his dead lover (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a quietly heartbreaking image of love lost.

Independent

But so neatly did the production flesh out Liam's desperate sense of domestic imprisonment that the tale was well into its tragic dénouement before you started wondering exactly what Emma saw in Andy Serkis's rheumy, guilt-ridden eyes.

Independent

She peers into the pushchair, looks up with pity in her rheumy eyes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A duel follows, attended by Vellini in jaunty boy-drag, between Ryno and her rheumy-eyed English husband.

Independent

When late one night in his Hawaii hotel bar he bumps into a young soldier on leave from Vietnam to get married, the encounter will, yes, require of Jon Hamm his rheumy-eyed gaze of pain.

Independent

This benevolent old rheumy-eyed soul: so fond of the word "nigger," so aggressive in his lack of sympathy towards Africa, so brutal in his treatment of women.

The New Yorker

The camp is owned by a stout, red-faced man named Dana Van Pelt, and managed by his grizzled, rheumy-eyed lieutenant, known as Angry Bob.

The New Yorker

The monotonous tone is established early on with Jacob's plodding narration, which takes over after an introduction by a rheumy-eyed Hal Holbrook (wonderful, as always), playing the aged Jacob.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "rheumy" to subtly convey age, illness, or a state of emotional distress, adding depth to your portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "rheumy" to describe temporary conditions like allergies or a brief crying spell; reserve it for chronic or age-related issues to maintain accuracy and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rheumy" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, typically "eyes", to describe their watery or tearful condition. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the appearance of eyes affected by age or illness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "rheumy" effectively describes eyes that are watery, often connoting age or illness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and offers numerous examples from reputable news and media sources showcasing its prevalence in journalistic and literary contexts. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, remember to use "rheumy" judiciously, reserving it for situations where a subtle conveyance of age or frailty is intended. Alternatives like ""watery"" or ""teary"" may be preferred when neutrality is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watery eyes

Focuses specifically on the presence of excess water in the eyes.

teary eyes

Emphasizes the presence of tears, often due to emotion or irritation.

eyes filled with tears

A descriptive phrase emphasizing the presence and abundance of tears.

bleary eyes

Highlights the blurred or unclear vision often accompanying sleepiness or illness.

eyes glistening with tears

Focuses on the reflective quality of tears in the eyes.

eyes brimming with tears

Highlights that eyes are nearly full of tears, suggesting intense emotion.

eyes clouded with moisture

A poetic way to describe the presence of liquid in the eyes, suggesting a lack of clarity.

eyes welling up

Describes the action of tears beginning to form.

bloodshot eyes

Describes the redness caused by dilated blood vessels in the eyes.

lachrymose eyes

A more formal way to describe eyes prone to tears.

FAQs

How do you use "rheumy" in a sentence?

"Rheumy" is used to describe watery or teary eyes, often associated with old age or illness. For example, "The old man's "rheumy" eyes told a story of hardship and resilience."

What can I say instead of "rheumy"?

You can use alternatives like "watery eyes", "teary eyes", or "bleary eyes" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone's eyes are "rheumy"?

When someone's eyes are described as "rheumy", it suggests that they are watery and possibly inflamed, often due to age, illness, or a chronic condition.

Is "rheumy" a negative term to describe someone's eyes?

While "rheumy" isn't inherently negative, it often carries a connotation of age or ill health, so consider your audience and context when using it. Describing someone's eyes as "watery" or "teary" might be more neutral.