noun

le cri

cry

C’est un son fort que l’on fait avec la bouche quand on a peur, mal ou que l’on veut appeler quelqu’un.

The French word "cri" translates to "cry" or "shout" in English.

Meaning

Cry / shout / scream (noun): It refers to a loud vocal expression, usually indicating an emotion such as pain, fear, surprise, or calling out for attention.
- Example: Le cri du bébé — The baby's cry.
A call or shout used to communicate: In a broader sense, it can mean any loud vocal expression used to communicate a message, such as a warning or signal.
- Example: Le cri d'alarme — The alarm call.

Etymology and parts

"cri" is a simple, monosyllabic noun.
It derives from the Latin "queri" meaning "to lament" or "to complain."

Synonyms

Hurlement (howl, howl-like shout)
Exclamation (exclamation)
Clameur (clamor, loud shout)
Sport: Hurlement and cri can also be near-synonyms in contexts of loud sounds.

Antonyms

Silent expressions or quieter forms of communication such as:
- Silence
- Murmure (murmur)
- Chuchotement (whisper)

Additional notes

As an interjection, "cri" is not typically used on its own, but as a noun it frequently appears in natural expressions referring to sudden or emotional loud sounds.
The verb form is "crier", meaning "to shout" or "to cry out."

In summary, "cri" is primarily a noun signifying a loud vocal sound, an emotional shout or cry, often associated with expressions of feelings or attempts to attract attention.