Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about tear (AI summary)

The word "tear" serves as a multifaceted term in literature, evoking both physical rupture and subtle emotional expression. Authors deploy it to dramatize violent actions, as in the forceful act of ripping a letter or heart from its setting [1], or to capture the intensity of inner turmoil, where a tear becomes emblematic of sorrow or compassion [2]. Further, it is employed in playful or ironic contexts, hinting at both literal and metaphorical divisions within relationships or ideals [3]. This dual usage enriches narratives by harnessing the word’s inherent ambiguity to bridge tangible destruction and the ephemeral expression of human vulnerability.
  1. ’ Uriah, more blue than white at these words, made a dart at the letter, as if to tear it in pieces.
    — from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  2. Laurie was signing and sealing as he spoke, and did not look up till a great tear dropped on the paper.
    — from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott
  3. Yet he knew he could not tear her away from the heavy obscurity into which she was merged.
    — from The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux