English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word tense in English

What does tense mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tense

US /tens/
UK /tens/
"tense" picture

Adjective

1.

stretched tight or rigid

Example:
•
Her muscles were tense after the long workout.
•
The rope was pulled tense across the gap.
Synonym:
tightstrainedrigidtautstretched
2.

causing or showing anxiety or nervousness

Example:
•
The atmosphere in the room was very tense.
•
He looked tense as he waited for the results.
Synonym:
anxiousnervousstressedapprehensiveuptight
Synonym:
relaxedcalm

Noun

1.

any of the forms of a verb that may be used to show the time of the action or event

Example:
•
The past tense of 'go' is 'went'.
•
English verbs have different tenses to indicate when an action happens.

Verb

1.

make or become stretched tight or rigid

Example:
•
He tensed his muscles before lifting the heavy box.
•
Her body tensed as she heard the sudden noise.
Synonym:
tightenstiffencontractflex
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Related Word:
future tenseperfect tensepast tense