tense

12 definitions • 12 examples

any of the forms of a verb which show the time at which an action happened:

"I sing" is in the present tense and "I sang" is in the past tense.

nervous and worried and unable to relax:

She was very tense as she waited for the interview.

If a situation is tense, it causes feelings of worry or nervousness:

There were some tense moments in the second half of the game.

(of your body or part of the body) stretched tight and stiff

(of a speech sound) made with more force than other speech sounds

If you or your muscles tense, your muscles become stiff and tight because you are frightened or nervous, or are preparing yourself to do something:

Don't tense your shoulders, just relax.

I could feel myself tense up as he touched my neck.

very nervous and worried and unable to relax because of something that is going to happen:

You seem all tensed up. Are you still waiting for that call?

anxious, unable to relax, or causing anxiety:

She was very tense as she waited for the interview.

The family was faced with a tense financial situation.

If a situation is tense, it causes feelings of worry or anxiety.

tight and stiff:

Relax! Why are you so tense?

any of the forms of a verb which show the time at which an action happened:

"I sing" is in the present tense and shows action happening now, and "I will sing" is in the future tense, showing action that will happen later.

to make your body or muscles tight and stiff, or to become tight and stiff:

[ T ] He tensed his body just before diving from the high board.

[ I ] She tensed up as the car went faster and faster.