tension
Meaning: Mental or emotional strain; strained relations; tightness when stretched
Tension refers to mental or emotional strain caused by anxiety, stress, or difficult situations. It also describes strained relations between people or groups, or the state of being stretched tight. In physics, it refers to the pulling force exerted by a string, cable, or similar object.
Examples
- There was obvious tension between the two colleagues. 两位同事之间明显存在紧张关系。Había una tensión obvia entre los dos colegas.二人の同僚の間には明らかな緊張がありました。두 동료 사이에 분명한 긴장감이 있었습니다.
- The tension in the room was palpable. 房间里的紧张气氛是显而易见的。La tensión en la sala era palpable.部屋の緊張感は明白でした。방 안의 긴장감이 뚜렷하게 느껴졌습니다.
- You need to adjust the tension on the guitar strings. 你需要调整吉他弦的张力。Necesitas ajustar la tensión de las cuerdas de la guitarra.ギターの弦の張力を調整する必要があります。기타 줄의 장력을 조절해야 합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'tensionem' meaning 'a stretching', from 'tensus', past participle of 'tendere' (to stretch). Related to 'tense', 'tent' (stretched fabric), 'tendon', 'tend', and 'extend'. The emotional sense appeared in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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