tense
Translation
tense, strained, anxious
Examples
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
My muscles feel tense after the workout.
My muscles feel tense after the workout.
Grammar Patterns
((be)) tense to be in a state of nervousness or strain The atmosphere is tense.
a tense ((noun)) a (noun) that is characterized by tension He had a tense look on his face.
Similar Words
Synonyms: strained, stressed, anxious; Antonyms: relaxed, calm
Etymology
From Latin 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch'. Imagine something stretched tight.
Memory Tips
Picture a tightrope walker – they are in a 'tense' situation, and their rope is 'tense' (stretched tight).