Tear

Definition

Tear can refer to a drop of saline fluid from the eyes (noun) or the act of ripping something apart (noun/verb). It also has emotional and mechanical connotations depending on usage.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (Drop of fluid - Noun): /tɪr/
• Respelling: TEER
• IPA Pronunciation (Rip - Verb/Noun): /tɛr/
• Respelling: TAIR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (Drop of fluid - Noun): /tɪə/
• Respelling: TEER
• IPA Pronunciation (Rip - Verb/Noun): /tɛə/
• Respelling: TAIR

Etymology

The word "tear" (as a drop of fluid) originates from Old English "tēar," derived from Proto-Germanic "tahr" and Proto-Indo-European "dakru," meaning to weep or a droplet. The word "tear" (as in ripping) comes from Old English "teran," meaning to rip apart, also from Proto-Germanic "teran" and Proto-Indo-European "der," meaning to split or break.

Derivatives

• Teardrop (noun)
• Teary (adjective)
• Tearful (adjective)
• Tearless (adjective)
• Tearing (adjective/verb)

Synonyms

• (For tear as a drop of fluid): Cry, weep
• (For tear as to rip): Rip, shred

Antonyms

• (For tear as a drop of fluid): None
• (For tear as to rip): Mend, repair

Usage

The noun "tear" refers to the fluid produced by the eyes, such as "A single tear rolled down her cheek." The verb "tear" refers to the action of ripping, as in "He will tear the paper into pieces."

Related Terms

• Rip: To split or pull apart by force.
• Weep: To shed tears.
• Shred: To tear or cut into small pieces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A drop of saline fluid from the eye: Refers to the physical product of crying or irritation.
  • Example: "She wiped away a tear as she said goodbye."
• A rip or hole in material: Describes damage or wear in fabric or surfaces.
  • Example: "There’s a tear in my shirt."

Verb

• To rip something apart: Refers to forcibly pulling material or objects apart.
  • Example: "She will tear the envelope open."
• To cause emotional distress (figurative): Refers to affecting someone deeply.
  • Example: "The news of their separation tore her apart."