Describes doing something while actually crying or with tears in one's eyes. Often used with verbs of speaking, apologizing, or leaving.
She tearfully said goodbye.
The child apologized in tears.
reluctantly; unwillingly; with a heavy heart
Expresses doing something with great reluctance or emotional pain, as if one were crying inside. The action is done despite strong personal objection or sadness.
He reluctantly accepted the conditions.
I unwillingly parted with my precious book.