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tense1
- pronunciation:
- tens
- parts of speech:
- adjective, verb
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
tenser, tensest |
| definition 1: |
pulled or stretched tightly.
The strings on a violin must be tense.- synonyms:
- stretched, taut, tight
- antonyms:
- slack
- similar words:
- drawn, inflexible, rigid, stiff
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| definition 2: |
unable to relax one's body or emotions.
My father sounds tense when I call him at work.- synonyms:
- high-strung, nervous
- antonyms:
- calm, placid
- similar words:
- anxious, edgy, on edge
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| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
tensed, tenses, tensing |
| definition: |
to make or become tense.
He tensed his leg muscles.The dog tensed at the sound of footsteps outside.- synonyms:
- tighten
- antonyms:
- relax
- similar words:
- constrict, contract
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| related words: |
stretch |
| derivations: |
tensely (adv.), tenseness (n.) |
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