The spelling of the word "be tear" can be confusing. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /bɪtɪə(r)/. This represents the sounds "b" for the initial consonant, "ɪ" for the short "i" sound, "t" for the next consonant, "ɪə" for the diphthong in "ear", and "r" for the final consonant. The word can mean to break into pieces or to pull apart, and is used figuratively to describe emotional distress.