What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tenser
Example
As the deadline approached, the office became tenser and more frantic. [tenser: comparative adjective]
Example
She grew tenser as she waited for her turn to speak. [tenser: comparative adjective]
Example
My shoulders grew tenser as I tried to meet the demanding physical requirements of the job. [tenser: comparative adjective]
stressed
Example
She was feeling stressed out from all the work she had to do. [stressed: adjective]
Example
The high-pressure environment of the hospital was very stressful for the nurses. [stressful: adjective]
Example
I could feel my body getting stressed as I tried to keep up with the fast pace of the workout. [stressed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stressed is more commonly used than tenser in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tenser and stressed?
Stressed is more formal than tenser, and it is more versatile in terms of usage, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
