The phrase "tears asunder" may seem confusing in terms of spelling, but it can be easily broken down with phonetics. The beginning of "tears" is pronounced with the /t/ sound, followed by the short /ɛ/ vowel, and ending with the /r/ and /z/ sounds. The word "asunder" begins with the short /ə/ sound, followed by the /s/ and /ʌ/ sounds, and ending with the /n/ and /d/ sounds. Together, these words describe something being forcefully torn apart.
Tears asunder is a phrase that is often used figuratively to describe the act of tearing or ripping something apart, particularly in an emotional or metaphorical sense. It expresses a deep and intense separation or division that causes significant pain, damage, or dissolution of a union or bond.
The word "tears" in this context does not refer to the act of crying, but rather to the forceful action of tearing or rending something apart. It implies a violent and forceful separation, often resulting in irreparable damage or destruction. This phrase is commonly used to portray the dissolution of relationships, partnerships, families, or any other connections that were once strong but have since been torn apart.
The term "asunder" intensifies the notion of separation and emphasizes the resulting brokenness or fragmentation. It signifies a complete splitting or separation, removing any possibility of restoring the previous state of unity. When used, tears asunder conveys a vivid and powerful image of a violent and irreversible separation that often causes immense pain, heartache, or loss.
Overall, tears asunder captures the deep and devastating effects of a rupture or divide, highlighting the forceful and unrepairable nature of the action. It serves as a metaphorical expression to depict the emotional and psychological impact caused by the tearing apart of relationships or any significant bond or connection.
The word "tears" in the phrase "tears asunder" comes from the Old English term "tēar", which means a drop of liquid. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tahsuz" and further to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dakru-". The term "asunder" originally originates from the Old English word "sundor", meaning apart or separate. It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*sundran" and can be compared to the Old Norse "sundr" and the Gothic "sundro". Therefore, the phrase "tears asunder" uses words from Old English and derived from Proto-Germanic origins.