First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tense
noun \ˈten(t)s\
grammar : a form of a verb that is used to show when an action happened
Full Definition of TENSE
1
: a distinction of form in a verb to express distinctions of time or duration of the action or state it denotes
2
a : a set of inflectional forms of a verb that express distinctions of time b : an inflectional form of a verb expressing a specific time distinction
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Origin of TENSE
Middle English tens time, tense, from Anglo-French, from Latin tempus
2tense
adjective
: nervous and not able to relax
: showing or causing nervousness
: not relaxed but hard and tight
tens·ertens·est
Full Definition of TENSE
1
: stretched tight : made taut : rigid <tense muscles>
2
a : feeling or showing nervous tension <a tense smile> b : marked by strain or suspense <a tense thriller>
3
: produced with the muscles involved in a relatively tense state <the vowels \ē\ and \ü\ in contrast with the vowels \i\ and \u̇\ are tense>
— tense·ly adverb
— tense·ness noun
See tense defined for English-language learners
Origin of TENSE
Latin tensus, from past participle of tendere to stretch — more at thin
First Known Use: 1668
3tense
verb
: to make (a muscle) hard and tight
: to become nervous or tense
tensedtens·ing
Full Definition of TENSE
transitive verb
: to make tense
intransitive verb
: to become tense <tensed up and missed the putt>
See tense defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TENSE
1676
TENSE Defined for Kids
1tense
noun \ˈtens\
Definition of TENSE for Kids
: a form of a verb used to show the time of the action or state
2tense
adjective
tens·ertens·est
Definition of TENSE for Kids
1
: feeling or showing worry or nervousness : not relaxed <a tense smile>
2
: marked by strain or uncertainty <a tense moment>
3
: stretched tight <tense muscles>
— tense·ly adverb
— tense·ness noun
Word Root of TENSE
The Latin word tendere, meaning to “stretch” or “to spread,” and its form tentus give us the roots tend, tent, and tens. Words from the Latin tendere have something to do with stretching or spreading. A tent is a temporary shelter made from stretched out fabric. To distend is to stretch outward and swell in all directions. To extend is to stretch out. A tendon is a cord that connects a muscle to another muscle or to a bone and that stretches allowing a joint to bend. Something tense is stretched tight.
3tense
verb
tensedtens·ing
Definition of TENSE for Kids
1
: to make or become worried or nervous <She tensed as the deadline grew near.>
2
: to make (a muscle) hard and tight <She tensed her shoulders.>
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