English · Common Verbs
tear
/teə/
[/teə/]
pull apart roughly
Intermediateverb
Definition
To pull or rip something, especially paper or cloth, into pieces.
Example
Be careful not to tear the paper.
Be careful not to tear the paper.
Etymology
From Old English 'teran' (to tear, lacerate).
How & Where It’s Used
The verb 'tear' (rhymes with 'air') differs from the noun 'tear' (a drop from the eye); past tense 'tore'.