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Pronunciation change

Noun 1 change

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 change

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 change

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 change

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.