Tearing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tearing

[หˆtษชrษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Tearing refers to the act of pulling something apart or causing it to break away, especially paper or fabric. This action can also imply a sense of distress or emotional pain.

Synonyms

fracturing, ripping, shredding, splitting.

Examples of usage

  • She was tearing the paper into pieces.
  • He felt his heart tearing as he said goodbye.
  • The dog was tearing through the backyard.
  • They were tearing down the old building.
Context #2 | Noun

physical damage

Tearing as a noun refers to the condition or result of something that has been ripped or damaged. It can apply to materials like fabric or paper, indicating an area that has been separated.

Synonyms

break, hole, rip, slit.

Examples of usage

  • The tear in her dress was very noticeable.
  • There was a tearing sound as the cloth was pulled.
  • He noticed a tearing at the edge of the document.
  • The athlete suffered a tearing of his muscle.

Translations

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Origin of 'tearing'

The word 'tear' comes from the Old English 'teran', which means 'to pull apart' or 'to rend'. The etymology can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*teranฤ…', which means 'to tear' or 'to rend'. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass both the physical act of ripping something and the emotional sensation of sorrow or grief. In Middle English, the term took on various forms, including 'taren' and 'teoren', which indicated disunion or destruction. The modern verb 'tear' is used in a variety of contexts, and its noun form 'tear' (indicating a droplet of liquid from the eye) also comes from the same root, illustrating the dual nature of the word in describing both physical and emotional separation.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,739 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.