The spelling of the phrase "rends asunder" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Rends" is pronounced as /rɛndz/, with the "r" sounding like the letter "ar" in "car" and the "s" being voiced, sounding like a "z." "Asunder" is pronounced as /əˈsʌndər/, with a schwa sound for the first syllable and a short "u" sound for the second syllable. The spelling of the phrase accurately represents its pronunciation.
The phrase "rends asunder" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the act of forcefully tearing or breaking something into pieces or separate parts. It suggests a powerful and abrupt action, resulting in a complete and irreversible separation.
"Rends" refers to the action of tearing or splitting with great force, depicting the intense nature of the act. It implies the exertion of considerable energy, determination, or violence to completely rupture or divide an object, substance, or even an abstract concept.
"Asunder" is an old English word meaning "apart," "into pieces," or "into separate parts." It emphasizes the result or consequence of rending, denoting a state of complete separation, disintegration, or fragmentation. It implies a forceful tearing action that leaves no hope of repair, reassembly, or restoration.
Together, the phrase "rends asunder" underscores the extreme and destructive nature of the tearing action, emphasizing the irreversible or irreparable damage caused. It is often used figuratively to convey a dramatic and impactful event that leads to a complete breakdown, disunity, or chaos within a relationship, organization, society, or any other entity. The phrase can also be used in a literal sense to describe the physical act of tearing something apart, such as a fabric, structure, or object, with great force and violence.
The word "rends" comes from the Middle English term "renden", which in turn originated from the Old English word "rendan". "Rendan" is related to the Old Norse word "rynda", meaning "to tear". The term "asunder" is derived from the Middle English term "aswondre", which can be traced back to the Old English word "on sundran", meaning "into separate places or parts". Therefore, when combined, "rends asunder" means to forcefully tear or rip something apart, causing it to separate into distinct pieces or locations.