B2 adjective Neutral

tense

/tens/

Describes a person who is nervous, anxious, and unable to relax, often accompanied by physical stiffness. It also refers to a situation, relationship, or atmosphere characterized by strain, potential conflict, or extreme pressure.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I always feel incredibly tense before I have to give a presentation to a large audience.

I always feel incredibly nervous and stressed before I have to give a presentation to a large audience.

2

Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries have remained tense for several months.

Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries have remained strained for several months.

3

You need to relax; you're way too tense about this minor problem.

You need to relax; you're way too stressed about this minor problem.

Word Family

Noun
tension
Verb
tense
Adverb
tensely
Adjective
tense
Related
tenseness
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Tense Tennis' player. Before a high-stakes serve, their muscles are 'tense' (tight) and the atmosphere is 'tense' (strained).

Quick Quiz

The air in the room was ____ as everyone waited for the election results to be announced.

Correct!

The correct answer is: tense

Examples

1

I always feel incredibly tense before I have to give a presentation to a large audience.

everyday

I always feel incredibly nervous and stressed before I have to give a presentation to a large audience.

2

Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries have remained tense for several months.

formal

Diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries have remained strained for several months.

3

You need to relax; you're way too tense about this minor problem.

informal

You need to relax; you're way too stressed about this minor problem.

4

The researcher noted a tense dynamic between the control group and the experimental subjects.

academic

The researcher noted a strained dynamic between the control group and the experimental subjects.

5

The atmosphere in the boardroom became tense when the merger was suddenly cancelled.

business

The atmosphere in the boardroom became filled with pressure when the merger was suddenly cancelled.

Word Family

Noun
tension
Verb
tense
Adverb
tensely
Adjective
tense
Related
tenseness

Common Collocations

tense atmosphere a feeling of strain or nervousness in a specific environment
tense muscles physical tightness in the body caused by stress or effort
grow tense to gradually become more nervous or strained
tense silence a quiet moment filled with anxiety or unspoken conflict
tense situation a scenario that is likely to lead to trouble or an outburst

Common Phrases

tense up

to make one's muscles or body rigid due to fear or stress

a tense standoff

a situation where two opponents are waiting for the other to act, filled with pressure

break the tension

to do something to make a strained situation more relaxed

Often Confused With

tense vs intense

Intense refers to an extreme degree, depth, or strength (e.g., intense heat), while tense refers to a state of mental or physical strain.

tense vs verb tense

Grammatical 'tense' (past, present) is a noun, whereas 'tense' as an adjective describes emotional or physical state.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'tense' to describe both people (internal feelings) and environments (external vibes). It often implies that something is 'stretched' to its limit and might break or explode.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'intense' when they mean 'tense'—remember that 'tense' is about stress/tightness, while 'intense' is about power/degree.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Tense Tennis' player. Before a high-stakes serve, their muscles are 'tense' (tight) and the atmosphere is 'tense' (strained).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'tensus', the past participle of 'tendere', meaning 'to stretch'.

Grammar Patterns

Commonly used after linking verbs: 'to feel tense', 'to look tense', 'to become tense'. Can be used as a causative verb: 'to tense one's shoulders'.

Quick Quiz

The air in the room was ____ as everyone waited for the election results to be announced.

Correct!

The correct answer is: tense

Related Words

anticisist

C1

To actively challenge, subvert, or dismantle cisnormative assumptions and institutional gender binaries. This verb describes the proactive process of advocating for gender-diverse perspectives by questioning established social norms.

intermovy

C1

The dynamic and reciprocal movement or exchange occurring between different groups, systems, or states. It specifically highlights the fluid transition and interplay of elements as they shift from one context to another.

exmarist

C1

A person who was formerly a member of the Marist Brothers or the Society of Mary, or a former student who attended a Marist educational institution. It refers to someone who maintains an identity or connection with the Marist tradition after leaving the formal organization.

unmanfy

C1

To deprive someone or something of traditionally masculine qualities, strength, or vigor. It is often used figuratively to describe the process of making a person or a concept appear weak, vulnerable, or less assertive than expected.

obvolvence

C1

The state or condition of being wrapped, enveloped, or enshrouded by a surrounding layer. It is used both literally in biological contexts to describe a covering and metaphorically to describe being obscured or hidden.

oblucation

C1

To render something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible, especially through the use of complex language or ambiguous details. It involves intentionally making a concept difficult to perceive or understand to hide the truth or avoid directness.

overprivine

C1

A formal noun referring to the state or condition of possessing excessive social or economic privilege, often to the point where it diminishes one's ability to empathize with others. It describes a structural or individual abundance of advantages that creates a disconnect from the realities of the less fortunate.

intrapaty

C1

Refers to activities, discussions, or conflicts occurring within a single political party rather than between different parties. It describes the internal dynamics, factionalism, or cohesion among members of the same political organization.

subvadful

C1

To subvadful means to perform a comprehensive and intensive verification of the fundamental layers of a system, argument, or physical structure. It implies a deep-dive analysis that goes beyond surface-level inspection to ensure that hidden foundations are entirely secure and functional.

dislegly

C1

A test-specific term used to describe something that is not permitted by law or established rules. It characterizes actions, behaviors, or documents that violate a formal code or legal standard within a controlled linguistic simulation.

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