Learn How to Pronounce tear

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tear

Definition:

(nou) a drop of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands (nou) an opening made forcibly as by pulling apart (nou) an occasion for excessive eating or drinking (nou) the act of tearing

Phonetic Transcription:

teə

Examples:

The idea is to have the teeth rip or tear the material apart.

He may rip self and tear off the organ in repulsion.

Tears are released from the tear glands to dilute and flush out the irritant.

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tear

Related Words:

water

How to perfect your pronunciation of: tear

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Common mistakes of tear pronunciation

Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "tear" with a long "e" sound, as in "teer" /tɪr/. In US English, it should be pronounced with a short "e" sound /tɛr/. Tip: Focus on the "air" sound instead of elongating the vowel.
Confusing "tear" with "tear" (to rip): The word "tear," meaning to rip, is pronounced differently as /tɛr/ in US English and /tɪə/ in UK English. This can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember the context; "tear" for crying has a clearer "air" sound.
Omitting the "r" sound: Some may drop the "r" sound, saying "teh" instead of "tear." The correct pronunciation includes the "r" /tɛr/ in US English and /tɪə/ in UK English. Tip: Practice saying "tear" with a strong "r" at the end to avoid this mistake.
Stressing the wrong syllable: Learners sometimes place stress on the second syllable, saying "tear" as /tiˈɛr/. The correct stress is on the first syllable for both US and UK pronunciations. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable: "tear" /ˈtɛr/ or /ˈtɪə/.
Misunderstanding the context: Some students use "tear" incorrectly in sentences, confusing its meanings. The pronunciation remains the same for both meanings, but context varies. Tip: Learn the different meanings and practice using them in sentences to solidify understanding.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "tear" in American English?

In American English, "tear" is pronounced as /tɛr/ with a single syllable and a short "e" sound. The stress is on the vowel, making it sound like "ter."

What is the British pronunciation of "tear"?

In British English, "tear" can be pronounced as /tɪə/ with a diphthong, which sounds like "teer." The pronunciation emphasizes the "i" sound, making it distinct from the American version.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "tear"?

A common mistake is confusing "tear" with its homophone "tear," which means to rip. It's important to pronounce the first as /tɛr/ (to cry) and the second as /tɪə/ (to rip) to avoid misunderstandings.

How many syllables does "tear" have?

The word "tear" has one syllable in both American and British pronunciations. This simplicity makes it easier to incorporate into everyday conversation.