Definitions for tenses

• Definition
• Anagrams (60)

tenses tense

Spelling: [tens]

IPA: /tɛns/

Tenses is a 6 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 6 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 7 points.

You can make 60 anagrams from letters in tenses (eensst).

Definitions for tenses

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 tenses

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

Examples for tenses

Timeliness is as important as ever, so he must look to his tenses.

Egotism, in every one of its moods and tenses, must have a strong fascination.

He plays fast and loose with tenses, slipping into the present, stopping the reader short in front of a brick wall.

"You are not quite right in your tenses, Austin," she remarked.

Anyone who has tried to learn a second language is familiar with the maddening irregular verbs, conjugations, and tenses.

In verbs there are five tenses, or times, expressing an action, or affirmation.

The denotation of the tenses was effected by appropriate signs.

The morning wore on, and tenses and moods gave place to drill.

My apologies if the tenses in the preceeding sentence are grammatically incorrect.

Roinsard fielded questions in a heavy French accent, frequently mixing up his tenses and appealing to a translator for a lifeline.