Need another word for Tense? Use these synonyms of Tense from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
strained
tight
rigid
stiff
inflexible
tense
taunt
firm
unrelaxed
stiffened
set
fixed
secure
stretched
extended
drawn
narrowed
constricted
contracted
knotted
bunched
hardened
tightened
clamped
clinched
compressed
compacted
condensed
intense
anxious
nervous
high-strung
edgy
jumpy
on-edge
apprehensive
fearful
worried
stressed
strained
uptight
Meaning of Tense
The primary meaning of the word "Tense" refers to a state of strain or anxiety, or a grammatical term describing the relationship between a verb's form and the time of the action it describes.
Definitions
- A state of strain or anxiety, typically caused by a difficult or unpleasant situation
- A category of verbal inflection that expresses the time of action, with reference to the moment of speaking
- The state of being stretched or strained, typically as a result of external forces or pressures
Etymology of Tense
The word "Tense" originates from the Old French word "tens", which is derived from the Latin word "tempus", meaning time
The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe grammatical tense, and later expanded to describe states of strain or anxiety
Example Uses
- The athlete's face was tense with concentration as she prepared to compete
- The verb "to go" has several tenses, including past, present, and future
- The crowd was tense with anticipation as they waited for the concert to start