rip entry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “rip entry” mean?
To tear something quickly and forcefully, making a sharp sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To tear something quickly and forcefully, making a sharp sound.
To copy digital media; to move very quickly; to criticize harshly; a tear or split.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use all core meanings similarly. 'Let it rip' (go fast/full power) is equally common. 'Rip into someone' (criticize) is slightly more informal in BrE.
Connotations
Negative for physical destruction, neutral for digital copying. In sports/racing, positive connotation for speed ('he ripped down the wing').
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “rip entry” in a Sentence
rip + [object] (e.g., rip the paper)rip + [object] + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., rip it into pieces)rip + [adverb/preposition] (e.g., rip through the defence)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rip entry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Be careful not to rip your trousers on that fence.
- I'll need to rip the audio from that old DVD.
- Our striker can really rip through a defence.
American English
- He ripped the package open impatiently.
- Can you rip these CDs for my playlist?
- That new sports car can really rip.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The sofa had a nasty rip in the fabric.
- He suffered a rip in his muscle during the match.
American English
- Check the tent for any rips before we camp.
- The sail had a small rip after the storm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal for criticizing a plan or performance ('The CEO ripped into the marketing report'). Also in 'rip-off' for unfair pricing.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical texts describing violence or in film/media studies regarding digital copying ('rip a DVD').
Everyday
Common for tearing paper, fabric, or packaging. Also for moving quickly ('The motorbike ripped past us').
Technical
Standard term for extracting digital data from a disc or file ('rip an audio track').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rip entry”
- *I rip my coat yesterday. (Correct: I ripped my coat yesterday.)
- *He made a rip on the paper. (Correct: He made a rip in the paper.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any material that can tear (like a sail, a muscle, a social group) and metaphorically for ideas, arguments, and digital media.
'Rip' often implies more force, speed, and a sharper/harsher sound. 'Tear' is more general and can be slower. They are often interchangeable, but 'rip' is more vivid.
The action of copying the data is a technical process. The legality depends on your purpose and local copyright law (e.g., making a personal backup is often allowed, distributing copies is not).
Yes, in contexts of speed or power it can be positive or neutral: 'The guitarist ripped through an amazing solo,' or 'Let it rip!' meaning go as fast as you can.
To tear something quickly and forcefully, making a sharp sound.
Rip entry is usually neutral to informal in register.
Rip entry: in British English it is pronounced /rɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Let her/it rip!”
- “Rip into someone”
- “Rip-off (noun, overpriced item)”
- “Rip the heart out of something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sharp RIPPing sound of Velcro being pulled apart quickly. Sound connects to meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS TEARING APART ('She ripped his argument to shreds'). SPEED IS A TEARING FORCE ('The car ripped along the road').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'rip-off' mean as a noun in informal English?