tear

Pronunciation

• Noun 1 & Verb 1:
  • (UK) IPA ^(key): /tɛə/, SAMPA: /tE@/
  • (US) IPA ^(key): /tɛɚ/, SAMPA: /tE@`/

  • Audio (US)

    (file)

• Noun 2 & Verb 2:
  • (UK) IPA ^(key): /tɪə/, SAMPA: /tI@/
  • (US) IPA ^(key): /tɪɚ/, SAMPA: /tI@`/

  • Audio (US)

    (file)

Noun 1

Singular tear

Plural tears

1. A tear is hole made by pulling or ripping something.

   I cannot wear a shirt with a tear in it!

Noun 2

Singular tear

Plural tears

1. A tear is a drop of water that comes from your eye when you cry.

   I felt sorry when I saw the tears running down her face.

Verb 1

Plain form tear

Third-person singular tears

Past tense tore

Past participle torn

Present participle tearing

1. If you tear something you make a hole in it, or make it into two pieces, by pulling it apart. It is making a tear.

   Paper is easier to tear than cloth.

   I tore a hole in my pants when I fell on my knee.

   I was so mad at her I tore her letter in half.

Verb 2

Plain form tear

Third-person singular tears

Past tense teared

Past participle teared

Present participle tearing

1. If someone is tearing, that person has tears coming from the eyes. Often, this is called "tearing up." Usually, this is when the person is not crying in a way that can be heard.

   I tried to look brave, but started tearing up at the funeral.

   My eye started to tear after I got sand in it.

   She teared up when she heard the news.