tense
Translation
anxious, strained, stretched tight
Examples
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
His muscles were tense before the race.
His muscles were tense before the race.
Grammar Patterns
((to be)) tense to be anxious or nervous The atmosphere in the room was tense.
Similar Words
Synonyms: strained, stressed, anxious; Antonyms: relaxed, calm
Etymology
From Latin 'tensus', past participle of 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a TENT rope that is stretched so TENSEly it might snap.