What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tensive
Example
The athlete felt tensive before the big game. [tensive: adjective]
Example
The tensive atmosphere in the office made it difficult to focus. [tensive: adjective]
tensile
Example
The bridge was designed with high tensile strength to withstand strong winds. [tensile: adjective]
Example
The fabric's tensile properties made it ideal for use in athletic wear. [tensile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tensile is more commonly used than tensive in everyday language. Tensile is a technical term used in various fields, while tensive is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tensive and tensile?
Tensile is a more formal word than tensive. It is used in technical and scientific contexts, while tensive is used more often in informal or conversational settings.
