Definitions for tense

• Definition
• Anagrams (43)

tense tense

Spelling: [tens]

IPA: /tɛns/

Tense is a 5 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 5 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 6 points.

You can make 43 anagrams from letters in tense (eenst).

Definitions for tense

noun

1. a category of verbal inflection that serves chiefly to specify the time of the action or state expressed by the verb.
2. a set of such categories or constructions in a particular language.
3. the time, as past, present, or future, expressed by such a category.
4. such categories or constructions, or their meanings collectively.

adjective

1. stretched tight, as a cord, fiber, etc.; drawn taut; rigid.
2. in a state of mental or nervous strain; high-strung; taut:
3. characterized by a strain upon the nerves or feelings:
4. Phonetics. pronounced with relatively tense tongue muscles; narrow. Compare lax (def 7).

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tense.

Origin of tense

1660-70; Latin tēnsus past participle of tendere to stretch; see tend¹

Examples for tense

Since Nestdrop continues to do so as of this writing, they wager a tense gamble that the odds will be in their favor.

They stood before him palpitating like birds, poised, tense for flight.

The irregularity of the proceeding was unnoticed in the tense excitement.

A tense commute to work in Houston will start to resemble a tense commute in Boston or New York City.

But so many years later, I still get a tense feeling in my stomach when I see a strong storm approaching.

"I don't understand this," said Linda, white lipped and tense.

Elisabetta Piqué, who knew Bergoglio well as a cardinal, writes in the present tense as if to convey real time passing.

Instead, only a tense horror that touched to the roots of emotion.

Rioting and looting ensued shortly after the verdict and racial tensions were tense across the United States for years to follow.

How tense they both had been, how afraid of each other, how she had irritated him!