shear - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
shear Word Meanings
- to cut the wool off a sheep
- to cut something using a sharp instrument
- to break or damage due to a force acting parallel to a material
shear Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
shear Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ʃɪə/
US
/ʃɪr/
shear Word Etymology
shear = shea- (to cut) + -ar (verb suffix); Origin: Old English 'scherian' → Middle English; Memory image: Picture a farmer gently shearing a sheep, carefully cutting away the fluffy wool to keep it cool, connecting the act of cutting with the idea of shearing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Shear is a versatile verb with three broad senses. First, in farming, to shear means to remove the wool from a sheep, typically done to harvest wool and keep the animal comfortable. Second, to shear something is to cut it with a sharp instrument, as in shearing metal or fabric. Third, in physics and engineering, to shear refers to a deformation or failure that occurs when parallel forces slide layers of material past one another. The word often appears in phrases like shear off, shear force, and shear stress. Remember the spelling contrasts with sheer, and shears is the cutting tool.
Usage Reminders
- Always transitive: shear something or someone; sheep is the object when wool is involved; use shear off for removing by force; not to be confused with sheer; remember the noun form 'shears' refers to the tool.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking 'shear' only means cutting hair.
- Confusing 'shear' with 'shears' (the scissors) or with 'sheer' (completely).
- Using 'shear' for shaving a person’s hair as everyday talk.
- Mistaking 'shear' for general cutting instead of the specific physics sense 'shear stress'.
- Mixing up 'shear wool' with simply 'cutting wool' in non-farming contexts.
Thinking Differences
In English, shear is a multi-sense verb with clear farming, general cutting, and physics senses. Learners often mix with 'shear' vs 'shear' noun forms and confuse with 'shears' (the tool) or 'sheer' (absolutely).
Learning Tips
- Visualize the farmer with a shear knife removing wool from a sheep.
- Learn three core senses: farming, cutting with a sharp tool, and shear in physics.
- Pair each sense with a common collocation (shear wool, shear stress, shear off).
- Practice distinguishing 'shear' from 'shears' (the tool) and 'sheer' (absolutely).
- Use sentences with direct objects to reinforce transitivity.
- Do quick quizzes: replace 'shear' with 'cut' and see if the meaning changes.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'shear'?
A.To plant trees
B.To sew clothes
C.To bake bread
D.To cut hair
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'shear' used correctly?
A.He shears fabric to make a dress.
B.Shears are used to bake cakes.
C.They sheared a garden to plant flowers.
D.Shear is a type of shoe.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'shear'?
A.Sew
B.Cook
C.Grow
D.Trim
Step 4: Opposite Words
In real-world situations, how is 'shear' commonly used?
A.Reading a book
B.Watering plants
C.Driving a car
D.Trimming sheep's wool
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a sentence using the word 'shear'?
A.Sure! 'Shear is the name of my pet.'
B.Sure! 'Let's shear the vegetables for the salad.'
C.Sure! 'I need to shear my hair before the party.'
D.Sure! 'I shear the sunset every evening.'
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App