be torn between — to be unable to decide between two choices or options
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be unable to decide between two choices or options
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi tɔːrn bɪˈtwiːn/
Example Sentences
- I'm torn between ordering pizza and pretending to be healthy with a salad.
- He was torn between his dream job in Paris and his fear of French pronunciation.
- Students are often torn between studying hard and maintaining their social life.
be torn between
NOUN[/bi tɔːrn bɪˈtwiːn/]
to be unable to decide between two choices or options
She is torn between two job offers, frozen with both letters in her hands.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase derives from Old English 'teran' (to tear, rend), with 'torn' being the past participle. The metaphorical sense of emotional conflict emerged by the 16th century, using the physical image of being pulled in opposite directions to describe internal indecision or competing loyalties.
Breakdown
be (auxiliary verb indicating state) + torn (past participle of tear, meaning pulled apart or divided) + between (preposition indicating two opposing positions or choices).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I'm torn between ordering pizza and pretending to be healthy with a salad.”
“He was torn between his dream job in Paris and his fear of French pronunciation.”
“Students are often torn between studying hard and maintaining their social life.”
“The CEO was torn between expanding globally and focusing on domestic markets.”
📚Related Words
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