tense (EN)noun, adjective, verb
noun “tense”
singular tense , plural tenses
- (grammar) a property of verbs showing when an action happens Sign up to see the translation of definitions and examples into any language.In English, we use different
tenses to talk about actions that happened yesterday, are happening now, or will happen tomorrow.
adjective “tense”
base form tense (more/most)
- (of a person) not relaxed, nervous, worried Before his speech, John felt so
tense that his hands were shaking. - stretched tight, not loose The rope was so
tense that it felt like it could snap at any moment. - (of a situation) in which people feel a lot of worry or anger The situation was
tense as everyone awaited the boss's decision on layoffs.
verb “tense”
infinitive tense ; he tenses ; past tense tensed ; past part. tensed ; ger. tensing
- (of muscles) to make tight Feeling nervous, she
tensed her shoulders, making them stiff.