Tension Meaning
/ˈtɛnʃən/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe condition of being held in a state between two or more forces, which are acting in opposition to each other.
nounA psychological state of being tense.
Sentence Examples
Tension is a major cause of heart disease.
If you stop and relax, this will relieve the tension and stress in your shoulders.
There is mounting tension along the border.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ between the two characters grew as they argued louder and louder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There was a lot of ____ between the two rival teams before the start of the final match of the tournament today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ten- Proto-Indo-European *tend-der. Proto-Italic *tendō Latin tendō Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *-Hō Proto-Indo-European *-tiHō Proto-Italic *-tiō Latin -tiō Latin tēnsiōder. Middle French tensionbor. English tension Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"This popular characterization of the Devil incorporates the Trickster archetype. Both are smart, energetic, lying, quick to take advantage of an opportunity. Both have latent narrative appeal in their generation of tension and conflict, their unpredictability, their defiance of hierarchy and authority."
— 1983, Wendy Griswold, “The Devil's Techniques: Cultural Legitimation and Social Change”, in American Sociological Review, volume 48, number 5, page 670b of 668–680:
"Most of the overhead system is of the weight-tensioned type, constant tension being automatically applied by balance weights."
— 1959 June 26, “Clacton and Walton Electrification”, in Railway Magazine, page 379:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ between the two characters grew as they argued louder and louder.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There was a lot of ____ between the two rival teams before the start of the final match of the tournament today.