tear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "tear crossword clue", you've come to the right place. This page provides a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you master this often tricky crossword term.
Solutions for "tear crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RIP: To pull or divide something apart with force.
SOB: To weep with convulsive gasps.
4 Letters
RENT: A long, jagged tear or a verb meaning to tear.
WEEP: To shed tears.
5 Letters
SHRED: To tear or cut into very small pieces.
GRIEF: Intense sorrow, often leading to tears.
More About "tear crossword clue"
The word "tear" is a classic crossword setter's favorite due to its homographic nature, meaning it is spelled identically but possesses two distinct meanings and pronunciations: "to rip" (pronounced 'tare') and "a drop from the eye" (pronounced 'teer'). This duality allows for clever and often misleading clues, challenging solvers to consider the context of the puzzle.
When you encounter "tear" in a crossword, always consider both possibilities. Is the puzzle leaning towards destruction or damage, or is it hinting at emotion and sorrow? The surrounding words, the theme of the puzzle, and other filled-in letters will often provide the necessary context to determine the correct interpretation.
Understanding these dual meanings is key to unlocking many tricky clues. Our goal is to provide you with all possible solutions for both interpretations, ensuring you're never stumped by this versatile word again.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: For words like "tear" that have multiple meanings, always think about all possible interpretations. Crossword setters love to use such words to test your vocabulary breadth.
- Look at Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. Use our answer groupings by letter count to quickly narrow down possibilities.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes the answer to an intersecting clue can clarify the meaning of a tricky word like "tear." If a "T" is already filled in for the first letter of a 3-letter word, you know it's not "RIP" but could be "TRY" (if it fits the 'cry' context).
- Context is King: Pay attention to the wording of the clue itself. Does it imply an action (e.g., "Mangle a document") or a state of being (e.g., "Sign of sadness")? This will often guide you to the correct meaning of "tear."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'tear' have two different meanings in crosswords?
The word 'tear' is a homograph, meaning it is spelled the same but has different meanings and pronunciations. In crosswords, setters frequently exploit such words to create deceptive clues, leading solvers to consider both the 'rip' meaning and the 'cry' meaning. This dual nature makes 'tear' a popular and challenging clue.
What are common answer lengths for 'tear' clues?
Common answer lengths for 'tear' can range from 3 letters (like RIP, CRY, SOB) to 5 letters (like SHRED, WEEP, GRIEF). The specific length often depends on the type of crossword and how direct or metaphorical the clue's intended meaning is.
How can I distinguish between the 'rip' and 'cry' meanings of 'tear' in a crossword clue?
Look for contextual clues in the puzzle. If the clue mentions fabric, paper, or damage, it likely refers to 'rip'. If it mentions emotions, eyes, or sadness, it points to 'cry'. The surrounding letters you've already filled in can also help confirm the intended meaning.