English dictionary
tense
/t/E/ns/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
adjective
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in or of a state of physical or nervous tension
Antonyms relaxedSource: WordNet 3.0
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pronounced with relatively tense tongue muscles (e.g., the vowel sound in `beat')
Source: WordNet 3.0
-
taut or rigid; stretched tight
ExamplesTense piano strings.
Antonyms laxSource: WordNet 3.0
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Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a <i>tense</i> fiber.
Source: webster1913
noun
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a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
Source: WordNet 3.0
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One of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of time.
Source: webster1913
verb
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become stretched or tense or taut
ExamplesThe bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed;
Synonyms strainSource: WordNet 3.0
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increase the tension on
ExamplesAlternately relax and tense your calf muscle.
Tense the rope manually before tensing the spring.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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become tense, nervous, or uneasy
ExamplesHe tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room.
Source: WordNet 3.0
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cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious
ExamplesHe got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up.
Source: WordNet 3.0