B1adjectiveemotionshealth
US/tens/
UK/tens/
nervous and worried, so you cannot relax; also used for muscles that feel tight
In context
Everyone was tense while we waited for the exam results.
Sitting at a desk all day makes my neck and shoulders tense.
The final minutes of the match were incredibly tense for both teams.
Words that go with tense
adjective + noun
- tense atmosphereThere was a tense atmosphere in the office after the job cuts.
- tense momentThere was a tense moment when the referee checked the video.
- tense situationThe manager stayed calm in a very tense situation.
- tense musclesA warm bath can relax tense muscles after a long run.
verb + adjective
- feel tenseI always feel tense before I speak in front of a crowd.