Tare vs. Tear: What's the Difference?

The words tare and tear, while pronounced similarly, carry different meanings and functions in language. Tare refers to the weight of the packaging or container, which is subtracted from the gross weight to calculate net weight. On the other hand, tear as a noun describes the act of ripping or the resulting hole; as a verb, it means to pull apart by force.

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Tare vs. Tear

How do you use the word tare in a sentence?

The word tare is most commonly applied in contexts involving weighing goods and their containers. When using a scale, you frequently need to account for the tare to ensure the weight measure reflects only the product, not its packaging. Tare can also refer to a weed that grows in grain fields.
Examples of tare in a sentence
  • After subtracting the tare from the gross weight, the net weight of the shipment was calculated.
  • You'll often find a tare button on digital scales, eliminating the need to calculate the packaging weight manually.
  • Farmers are battling to keep the tare weeds from choking out their wheat crops.

How do you use the word tear in a sentence?

The word tear can be used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it often signifies a rip in a material or fabric. When used as a verb, it implies the action of pulling something apart or damaging it by force. It's important to use tear in the correct context to convey your message without confusion.
Examples of tear in a sentence
  • She accidentally put a tear in her dress while climbing the fence.
  • Do not tear the paper when you remove it from the envelope.
  • Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't hold back his tears during the movie.

Tare and tear definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Tare definition:
Tare is a noun referring to the weight of a container or wrapping, which is subtracted from the gross weight to obtain the net weight. It can also refer to an injurious weed, especially one found among grain crops.

Tare parts of speech:
  • Noun: The vendor set the tare on the scale before weighing the vegetables.

Tare pronunciation:
Tare is pronounced as /teɛr/, rhyming with 'bear' and 'fair'.

Tear definition:
As a noun, tear refers to a drop of clear salty liquid secreted by glands in your eyes, or a hole or split in something caused by being pulled apart. As a verb, it means to pull or rip something apart or to pieces with force.

Tear parts of speech:
  • Noun: The book had a significant tear along its spine.
  • Verb: Be careful not to tear the pages when you turn them.

Tear pronunciation:
When used as a noun referring to liquid from the eye, tear is pronounced as /tir/, rhyming with 'ear' and 'peer'. When used as a verb meaning to rip, it is pronounced as /teɛr/, like 'bear' or 'fair'.

Tare vs. tear in a nutshell

In summary, tare is a noun used primarily when considering the weight of containers in the total weight of goods. In contrast, tear can be both a noun and a verb and deals with the act of ripping or the liquid produced by the eyes. Despite their similar pronunciations, these words serve distinct purposes and are not interchangeable.

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