tear
This word is a homograph with two distinct phonetic pronunciations. When referring to weeping, it is pronounced with a long a, evoking a sense of vulnerability, sorrow, or intense relief. It is an intimate, biological marker of emotion.
When referring to ripping or speed, it is pronounced with a short e, shifting the energy toward aggression, destruction, or urgency. The verb form suggests a violent disruption of integrity or an explosive burst of momentum, creating a sharp contrast with the stillness of a falling teardrop.
Countable when referring to individual droplets of salt water or specific rips in cloth. Uncountable when referring to the general state of weeping.
Meanings
A drop of clear salty liquid secreted by the lacrimal glands.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
A hole or rip made by pulling apart fabric or paper.
There is a small tear in the sleeve of my shirt.
Examples
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
There is a small tear in the sleeve of my shirt.
He tore the letter into pieces.
The athlete tore down the track toward the finish line.
Phrasal Verbs
tear down
to intentionally destroy a building or structure
The city decided to tear down the old warehouse to make room for a park.
tear up
to rip something into small pieces
She decided to tear up the old photographs to forget the past.
tear apart
to pull something into pieces or to cause great emotional distress
The critics proceeded to tear apart the director's new movie in their reviews.
tear into
to attack someone verbally or physically with great force
The manager began to tear into the staff after the project failed.