B2verb1K

UK/["/teə(r)/","/teəz/","/tɔː(r)/","/tɔːn/","/ˈteərɪŋ/"]/US/["/ter/","/terz/","/tɔːr/","/tɔːrn/","/ˈterɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Tear

In simple words: To pull something apart or damage it by force.

Tear in a sentence

  • She began to tear the paper into small pieces.
  • When he heard the sad news, he couldn't help but tear up.
  • The dog managed to tear the bag, spilling its contents everywhere.
  • The athlete felt a tear in his muscle during the game.
  • She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she watched the movie.

How to use Tear

Use 'tear' for physical ripping or when describing emotional sadness (e.g., 'to tear up'). Avoid using in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

tear + object

Memory hint

Imagine a shirt being torn during a hectic game — 'tear' sounds like 'care' when it’s in distress.

Related words

Collocations with Tear

Synonyms for Tear

Opposites of Tear

Common mistakes with Tear

  • 'Tear' confused with 'tear' (opposite meaning) when pronounced differently.
  • Using the wrong form: 'teared' instead of 'tore'.
  • Confusing 'tear' with 'rip' in casual conversation.

Tear appears in

Tear in other languages

More words like Tear

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Frequently asked questions about Tear

What does Tear mean?

To pull something apart or damage it by force.

What is the definition of Tear?

to damage something by pulling it apart or into pieces or by cutting it on something sharp; to become damaged in this way

How do you use Tear in a sentence?

She began to tear the paper into small pieces.

Can you give another example of Tear?

When he heard the sad news, he couldn't help but tear up.

What are synonyms for Tear?

Common alternatives include rip, rip, rip.

What is the opposite of Tear?

Opposite meanings include mend, repair, fix.

What words go with Tear?

It commonly pairs with badly, easily, almost, threaten to, at, from, off, tear free, tear loose, tear something in half, badly, easily, almost, threaten to, at, from, off, tear free, tear loose, tear something in half.

What are common mistakes when using Tear?

'Tear' confused with 'tear' (opposite meaning) when pronounced differently. Using the wrong form: 'teared' instead of 'tore'. Confusing 'tear' with 'rip' in casual conversation.

How do you pronounce Tear?

US: /["/ter/","/terz/","/tɔːr/","/tɔːrn/","/ˈterɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/teə(r)/","/teəz/","/tɔː(r)/","/tɔːn/","/ˈteərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Tear?

Use 'tear' for physical ripping or when describing emotional sadness (e.g., 'to tear up'). Avoid using in overly formal writing.

What CEFR level is Tear?

"Tear" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.