tear
Translation
to rip, to pull apart, tear
Examples
Be careful not to tear the page.
Be careful not to tear the page.
A single tear ran down her cheek.
A single tear ran down her cheek.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to rip (sth.) apart He tore the letter in half.
a tear (noun) a drop of liquid from the eye A tear rolled down his cheek.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (verb) rip, shred; (noun) teardrop
Etymology
The verb comes from Old English 'teran' (to rip). The noun comes from Old English 'tēar' (teardrop). They have different origins.
Memory Tips
Note the two pronunciations: to `tear` (/tɛər/) paper, but a `tear` (/tɪər/) from your eye.