Definition of tense
tenser
;tensest
tensely
adverbtenseness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of tense in a Sentence
The sentence will read better if you change the tense of the verb.
You should avoid changing tense in the middle of a paragraph.
Origin and Etymology of tense
Latin tensus, from past participle of tendere to stretch — more at thin
First Known Use: 1668
tense
Definition of tense
tensed
;tensing
transitive verb
: to make tense
intransitive verb
: to become tense tensed up and missed the putt
Examples of tense in a Sentence
She was feeling pretty tense.
Why are you so tense?
We sat quietly for a few tense moments.
It was a tense meeting.
My calf muscles are really tense.
1676
First Known Use of tense
1676
tense
Definition of tense
1 : a distinction of form in a verb to express distinctions of time or duration of the action or state it denotes
2a : a set of inflectional forms of a verb that express distinctions of timeb : an inflectional form of a verb expressing a specific time distinction
Examples of tense in a Sentence
She tensed as he walked toward her.
He tensed up and missed the putt.
Origin and Etymology of tense
Middle English tens time, tense, from Anglo-French, from Latin tempus
First Known Use: 14th century
TENSE Defined for English Language Learners
tense
playDefinition of tense for English Language Learners
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grammar : a form of a verb that is used to show when an action happened
tense
Definition of tense for English Language Learners
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: nervous and not able to relax
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: showing or causing nervousness
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: not relaxed but hard and tight
tense
Definition of tense for English Language Learners
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: to make (a muscle) hard and tight
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: to become nervous or tense
TENSE Defined for Kids
Definition of tense for Students
: a form of a verb used to show the time of the action or state
Definition of tense for Students
tenser
;tensest
1 : feeling or showing worry or nervousness : not relaxed a tense smile
2 : marked by strain or uncertainty a tense moment
3 : stretched tight tense muscles
tensely
adverbtenseness
nounWord Root of tense
The Latin word tendere, meaning to “stretch” or “to spread,” and its form tentus give us the roots tend, tent, and tens. Words from the Latin tendere have something to do with stretching or spreading. A tent is a temporary shelter made from stretched out fabric. To distend is to stretch outward and swell in all directions. To extend is to stretch out. A tendon is a cord that connects a muscle to another muscle or to a bone and that stretches allowing a joint to bend. Something tense is stretched tight.
Definition of tense for Students
tensed
;tensing
1 : to make or become worried or nervous She tensed as the deadline grew near.
2 : to make (a muscle) hard and tight She tensed her shoulders.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of tense
tenser
;tensest
1: stretched tight : made taut or rigid the skeletal musculature involuntarily becomes tense—H. G. Armstrong
2: feeling or showing nervous tension was tense and irritable
tenseness
nountense
Medical Definition of tense
tensed
;tensing
transitive verb
: to make tense tense a muscleintransitive verb
: to become tense
Learn More about tense
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tense Spanish Central: Translation of tense Nglish: Translation of tense for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tense for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tense
Seen and Heard
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