Pronunciation

/tɛər/

Definitions

Noun

• A tear (countable): A drop of liquid that comes from the eye when it is sad, emotional, or due to physical irritation. For example: “She wiped away a tear from her cheek.”
• A rip or gap: A tear in clothing or a hole. For example: “The seam on my shirt has a small tear.”

Verb

• To tear (v):
  • (1) To pull apart or rend with force, causing a break. For example: “The paper tore easily when I tried to fold it.”
  • (2) To experience an emotional breakdown or be overcome with emotion. For example: “She tore up after hearing the sad news.”
  • (3) To remove forcefully or roughly. For example: “Tear off the tape from the package.”

Adjective

• Tearful: Characterized by tears or causing tears. For example: “A tearful goodbye was said at the farewell ceremony.”

Adverb

• Tearfully: In a manner involving tears or expressing sadness. For example: “She cried tearfully as she remembered her grandmother.”

Phrases

• “Tear up a document” means to destroy or shred a piece of paper.
• “Tear down a wall” can metaphorically mean to break down barriers or preconceptions.
• “Tears of joy” describe happy tears.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “She held back her tears as she read the letter.”
• Verb: “The old man couldn’t help but tear up when he saw his children’s faces.”
• Adjective: “The mother’s tearful eyes showed her deep sorrow.”
• Adverb: “He spoke tearfully about his lost childhood.”

Synonyms

• Cry
• Sob
• Weep
• Split
• Rupture
• Rip
• Fracture