tension

Pronunciation: /ˈtɛnʃən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
  2. noun the physical condition of being stretched or strained
  3. noun a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.

In classic literature

Synonyms

tenseness, stress

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
strain
Narrower (hyponyms)
breaking point, yips

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