tense

/tˈɛns/

/ˈtɛns/

Tense

(grammar) a form of the verb that indicates the time or duration of the action or state of the verb

to tense

MAIN VERB

to make someone feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy

synonyms : strain

antonyms : relax

1.1

to become nervous, anxious, or uneasy

synonyms : tense up

antonyms : relax

increase the tension on

become stretched or tense or taut

synonyms : strain

tense

taut or rigid; stretched tight

antonyms : lax

pronounced with relatively tense tongue muscles (e.g., the vowel sound in `beat')

antonyms : lax

in or of a state of physical or nervous tension

antonyms : relaxed

Examples

1. One common mistake in English is using the wrong verb tense.

2. We studied verb tenses in our grammar class today.

3. We won the game after a tense penalty shootout.

4. While it's always better to be honest, sometimes a bad excuse is better than none, especially if it can help diffuse a tense situation.