torn
/tiə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Damaged by being pulled apart; having a rip or split: Describes something, typically fabric or paper, that has been divided into parts by force, resulting in a jagged or uneven edge. 2. Divided or conflicted in emotions or loyalties: Describes a state of inner conflict where a person feels pulled in opposing directions by strong feelings, obligations, or beliefs.
Examples of Usage
Adjective (Physical Damage):
- He wore a torn jacket.
- The page was old and torn.
- She repaired the torn seam on her dress.
Adjective (Emotional Conflict):
- She felt torn between her career and her family.
- He was torn by feelings of guilt.
- A nation torn by civil war.
Advanced Usage
- "torn between (A) and (B)": A common structure to express being unable to choose between two conflicting options.
- I'm torn between the chocolate cake and the cheesecake.
- "torn apart": Can describe something physically ripped into pieces or a group of people emotionally separated by conflict.
- The letter was torn apart in anger.
- The community was torn apart by the scandal.
Variants and Related Words
- Tear (verb): /ter/ To pull or rip something apart or into pieces. This is the action that creates the state of being "torn."
- Be careful not to tear the paper.
- Tear (noun): /tɪr/ A drop of liquid from the eye. (This is a homograph with a different pronunciation and meaning).
- Tattered (adj): Old and torn; in ragged condition.
- A tattered flag fluttered in the wind.
Synonyms
- Ripped: Similar to "torn," often used for fabric.
- Shredded: Torn into long, thin strips.
- Split: Divided, often along a line or seam.
- Divided: In conflict or separated (for the emotional sense).
- Conflicted: Experiencing opposing feelings.
Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb "tear")
- Tear up: To rip something into many small pieces.
- She tore up the rejection letter.
- Tear down: To destroy or demolish a structure.
- They plan to tear down the old building.
- Tear off: To remove something by pulling it quickly and forcefully.
- He tore off the price tag.
- Tear away: To leave very quickly and eagerly.
- The kids tore away from the table to go play.
Related Idioms
- Wear and tear: The damage that happens to an object through ordinary use over time.
- The sofa shows signs of normal wear and tear.
- Tear one's hair out: To be extremely worried, anxious, or frustrated.
- I've been tearing my hair out trying to solve this problem.
Adjective
- disrupted by the pull of contrary forces
- torn between love and hate
- torn by conflicting loyalties
- torn by religious dissensions
- having edges that are jagged from injury