tense

[tens]

tense Definition

• 1. a set of forms taken by a verb to indicate the time and sometimes also the continuance or completeness of the action in relation to the time of the utterance.
• 2. in a state of nervousness, anxiety, or irritation
• 3. to make or become tense

Using tense: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tense" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The present tense of the verb 'to be' is 'am/are/is'.

• Example

  She was feeling tense before her exam.

• Example

  He tensed his muscles before lifting the heavy box.

• Example

  The atmosphere in the room was tense.

tense Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tense

• anxious
• nervous
• stressed
• taut
• tight

Antonyms for tense

• relaxed
• loose

Idioms Using tense

• on tenterhooks

  in a state of suspense or agitation because of uncertainty about a future event

  Example

  She was on tenterhooks waiting for the results of her job interview.

• make someone tense

  to cause someone to feel nervous or anxious

  Example

  The thought of public speaking always makes me tense.

• cut the tension with a knife

  to describe an atmosphere that is extremely tense or uncomfortable

  Example

  The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

Phrases with tense

• future tense

  a grammatical tense that refers to actions or events that have not yet happened but are expected or planned to happen at some point in the future

  Example

  In the sentence 'I will go to the store tomorrow,' the verb 'will go' is in the future tense.

• past tense

  a grammatical tense that refers to actions or events that have already happened in the past

  Example

  In the sentence 'She walked to the park yesterday,' the verb 'walked' is in the past tense.

• present tense

  a grammatical tense that refers to actions or events that are happening now or that occur regularly

  Example

  In the sentence 'I eat breakfast every morning,' the verb 'eat' is in the present tense.

Origins of tense

from Latin 'tempus', meaning 'time'

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Summary: tense in Brief

The term 'tense' [tens] has multiple meanings. As a noun, it refers to a grammatical form of verbs that indicates the time of the action. As an adjective, it describes a state of nervousness, anxiety, or irritation. As a verb, it means to make or become tense. Examples include 'The present tense of the verb 'to be' is 'am/are/is'.' and 'She was feeling tense before her exam.' Idioms like 'on tenterhooks' and 'cut the tension with a knife' describe tense atmospheres.