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tense1
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- pronunciation:
- tens
- parts of speech:
- adjective, transitive verb & intransitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective, verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
tenser, tensest |
| definition 1: |
pulled or stretched tightly; taut.
The strings on a violin must be tense.The muscles in your neck feel tense.- synonyms:
- stretched, taut, tight
- antonyms:
- slack
- similar words:
- drawn, inflexible, rigid, stiff
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| definition 2: |
unable to relax physically or emotionally.
All this traffic makes me very tense.You seem tense; is something troubling you?He's a tense young man who always has to be doing something.- synonyms:
- high-strung, nervous, uptight
- antonyms:
- at ease, calm, placid, relaxed, relaxed
- similar words:
- anxious, edgy, jittery, jumpy, on edge, strung-out, wired
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| definition 3: |
marked by or causing anxiety or nervous suspense.
There is one very tense scene in the movie.- synonyms:
- nerve-racking
- antonyms:
- relaxed, relaxing
- similar words:
- anxious
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| related words: |
electric, restless |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb & intransitive verb |
| inflections: |
tenses, tensing, tensed |
| definition: |
to make or become tense.
He tensed his abdominal muscles.Everyone tensed as the police detective walked in.- synonyms:
- tighten
- antonyms:
- relax
- similar words:
- constrict, contract
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| related words: |
brace, fear, knot, stress, stretch |
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| derivations: |
tensely (adv.), tenseness (n.) |
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