|
|
tense1
|
|
- pronunciation:
- tens
- parts of speech:
- adjective, verb
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
tenser, tensest |
| definition 1: |
When something is tense, it is pulled or stretched tightly.
The strings on a violin must be tense. Otherwise, you can't play on them.My dad always says that the muscles in his neck feel tense.- synonyms:
- stretched, tight
- similar words:
- drawn, rigid, stiff
|
| definition 2: |
When you are tense, you feel nervous and can't relax.
Lots of traffic makes my mom very tense when she's driving.Imani is usually pretty tense before she does a piano performance.- synonyms:
- nervous
- antonyms:
- calm, relaxed, relaxed
- similar words:
- anxious
|
|
|
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
tenses, tensing, tensed |
| definition: |
When you tense your muscles, you make them tight.
The doctor told the patient not to tense his stomach muscles while she was examining his stomach area.- synonyms:
- tighten
- antonyms:
- relax
- similar words:
- contract
|
| related words: |
stretch |
| derivations: |
tensely (adv.), tenseness (n.) |
|
|