adj
Common
torn
tawn
Torn (adj) means Unable to choose between two or more options because you feel pulled in different directions. Example: “I'm torn between taking the safe job and starting my own business.”
adj
1
Unable to choose between two or more options because you feel pulled in different directions.
"I'm torn between taking the safe job and starting my own business."
"She was torn between the job offer in London and staying near her family."
"He felt torn about whether to speak up in the meeting."
2
Ripped, with a rough or jagged edge.
"The child held up a torn page from her favourite book."
"He sewed up the torn pocket of his coat before the winter."
"He wore a pair of torn jeans to the concert."
How to use torn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStuck between two choices, or physically ripped.
Common pairings
torn between
torn jeans
feel torn
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more torn
- Superlative
- most torn
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I'm _____ between taking the safe job and starting my own business.
Related words
Rhymes for torn
See all rhymes for torn →Frequently asked questions
What does “torn” mean?
The word “torn” means unable to choose between two or more options because you feel pulled in different directions. In plain terms, stuck between two choices, or physically ripped.
How do you pronounce “torn”?
“Torn” is pronounced tawn (/tɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “torn” in a sentence?
Here is “torn” used in a sentence: “She was torn between the job offer in London and staying near her family.”
What part of speech is “torn”?
“Torn” is an adjective.
Is “torn” a common word?
“Torn” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “torn” have?
“Torn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to choose between two or more options because you feel pulled in different directions.
What is the difference between "tore" and "torn"?
"Tore" is the simple past tense of "tear" and stands alone: "He tore the letter in half." "Torn" is the past participle and needs a helping verb such as "has", "was", or "had" — "the letter was torn" — or works as an adjective, as in "a torn sleeve."
What is the difference between "torn" and "ripped"?
For fabric or paper the two are nearly interchangeable, though "ripped" often suggests a quicker, more violent action and sounds slightly more informal. Only "torn" works for indecision: you can be torn between two job offers, but not "ripped" between them.
Can you say "I'm torn" on its own?
Yes — "I'm torn" is a complete, natural sentence meaning "I can't decide." The options can be left unstated or added with "between" or "over", as in "I'm torn over whether to go."
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