tears
Translation
tears, rips
Examples
Her eyes were full of tears.
Her eyes were full of tears.
There are tears in his jeans.
There are tears in his jeans.
Grammar Patterns
((plural noun)) drops of liquid from the eyes Her eyes were full of tears.
((plural noun)) rips in cloth or paper There are tears in his jeans.
Similar Words
Synonyms (crying): weeping, crying; Synonyms (rips): rips, splits
Etymology
From Old English 'tēar'. Related to German 'Zähre' (tear). The verb 'to tear' (rip) has a different origin.
Memory Tips
Note the two pronunciations: /tɪrz/ (rhymes with 'fears') for crying, and /terz/ (rhymes with 'wears') for rips.