How Do You Spell TEAR AWAY?

Pronunciation: [tˈi͡əɹ ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of "tear away" might seem confusing because it can be pronounced two different ways. When used as a phrasal verb meaning to remove vigorously, it's pronounced /ˈtɛr əˈweɪ/, with the stress on the second syllable. However, when used as an adjective to describe clothing designed to come apart easily, it's pronounced /ˈtɪər əˌweɪ/ with the stress on the first syllable. The difference in pronunciation is due to the different meanings and grammatical roles of the word in each context.

TEAR AWAY Meaning and Definition

1. Tear away is a phrasal verb that commonly means to separate or remove a part of something forcefully or swiftly by pulling or ripping it apart. It implies a quick, forceful action that results in the detachment or destruction of a particular portion of an object or structure.

   The term "tear" refers to the act of forcefully pulling or ripping an object apart, often resulting in a physical break or separation. The word "away" adds the additional meaning of removing or detaching the torn section from the rest of the object or surface.

   In a literal sense, "tear away" can be used to describe actions such as tearing a piece of paper or fabric into multiple parts by forcefully pulling them apart. It can also be applied to the act of forcibly removing a sheet or layer from a larger surface, such as tearing away wallpaper from a wall or tearing away a bandage from the skin.

   Metaphorically, "tear away" can describe the act of separating oneself or someone else from a situation, relationship, or environment. It can imply a need to break free from constraints, limitations, or negative influences.

   Overall, "tear away" denotes a forceful, swift, and often destructive action of separation or removal, both in physical and metaphorical contexts.

Common Misspellings for TEAR AWAY

• tear0away
• teeraway

Etymology of TEAR AWAY

The word "tear away" is composed of two separate words: "tear" and "away".

1. "Tear": The word "tear" has multiple meanings and origins. One meaning is the act of pulling or ripping something apart forcefully. This sense of "tear" can be traced back to the Old English word "teran", which means to pull or rend apart. "Teran" is believed to have Germanic origins and is related to the Dutch word "teren" and the German word "zerren".

2. "Away": The word "away" is derived from the Old English word "aweg", which is formed from "a-" (meaning from) and "weg" (meaning road or path). Over time, "aweg" transformed into "away" and retained its meaning of being at a distance or in a different direction.

Idioms with the word TEAR AWAY

• tear away (from sm or sth) The idiom "tear away (from someone or something)" means to forcefully or abruptly leave or move away from a person or thing. It implies breaking away quickly or with difficulty.
• tear away To quickly or forcefully remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.

Similar spelling word for TEAR AWAY

• tearaway.