What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stress
Example
I'm feeling a lot of stress at work lately. [stress: noun]
Example
The weightlifter's muscles were under a lot of stress during the competition. [stress: noun]
Example
She stressed the importance of punctuality in the workplace. [stressed: verb]
tension
Example
There was a lot of tension in the room during the meeting. [tension: noun]
Example
I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. [tension: noun]
Example
He tightened the screws to increase the tension on the rope. [tension: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stress is more commonly used than tension in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts. However, tension is still a useful word to know, especially when describing physical symptoms or tightness in the body.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stress and tension?
Both stress and tension can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stress is more commonly used in professional or academic settings due to its broader range of applications.
