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Strained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฌ
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strained

[streษชnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

tense

Affected or produced by effort; not natural or spontaneous.

Synonyms

forced, tense, unnatural.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strained

Used when describing a situation, relationship, or atmosphere that is difficult or uncomfortable due to tension or pressure.

  • Their relationship has been strained since the argument.
  • The conversation was strained and full of awkward pauses.
tense

Best used when talking about situations or environments that are filled with anxiety, stress, or nervous tension.

  • The atmosphere in the office was tense after the news of the layoffs.
  • Everyone was tense as they awaited the results.
forced

Appropriate for describing actions or expressions that appear insincere or done under pressure, often with a negative connotation.

  • He gave a forced laugh that didn't sound genuine.
  • Her smile felt forced at the party.
unnatural

Used for describing things or behaviors that seem artificial, odd, or not true to nature or character, often with a negative implication.

  • Her laughter sounded unnatural and made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The color of the paint looked unnatural in the daylight.

Examples of usage

  • His strained smile did not fool anyone.
  • She spoke in a strained voice, trying to hold back tears.
  • The strained relationship between the two countries continued to worsen.
Context #2 | Verb

filtering

Pour (a mainly liquid substance) through a porous or perforated device or material in order to separate out any solid matter.

Synonyms

filter, separate, sift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strained

Use this word when referring to something that has been put under pressure, whether physically or emotionally. It can also refer to liquid that has been cleared of solid particles.

  • After running a marathon, his muscles felt strained
  • The soup was strained to remove the vegetables
filter

This word is appropriate when describing the process of removing unwanted parts or impurities, especially in liquids or information.

  • The coffee was filtered to remove the grounds
  • She filtered out the irrelevant details from the report
sift

This word is best used when referring to the process of screening or examining something thoroughly, often to find something specific or to remove impurities.

  • The archaeologists sifted through the dirt to find artifacts
  • Before baking, you should sift the flour to avoid lumps
separate

Use this word when you are talking about dividing or splitting things into distinct parts or groups.

  • The teacher separated the students into two groups for the project
  • We need to separate the recyclable materials from the trash

Examples of usage

  • He strained the pasta before adding the sauce.
  • The chef strained the broth to remove any impurities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'strained' often refers to emotional tension that results from high stress levels, affecting mental health.
  • A common reaction during 'strained' relationships is a feeling of distance or miscommunication between people.
  • Studies show that prolonged 'strained' feelings can lead to physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.

Science

  • 'Strained' is commonly used in physics to describe the deformation that occurs in materials under stress.
  • The concept of 'strain' in science measures how much a material deforms when subjected to stress, crucial for understanding material properties.
  • In biology, 'strain' can refer to a genetic variation of a species, often used in reference to bacteria.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of 'strained' family relationships, illustrating the emotional complexities of human connections.
  • Authors often use physical strain as a metaphor for emotional struggles, adding depth to character development.
  • Classic novels frequently depict the consequences of societal expectations that lead to 'strained' interpersonal dynamics.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, 'strained' friendships often serve as pivotal plot points, showcasing the challenges characters face to rebuild trust.
  • The phrase 'strained voice' features prominently in music, symbolizing the emotional weight of a song's lyrics.
  • Reality TV frequently highlights 'strained' relationships, capturing the drama and intensity of personal conflicts.

Origin of 'strained'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in the Latin word 'stringere', which means 'to bind or draw tight'.
  • In Middle English, 'strained' was often used to describe something that was pulled or stretched.
  • The concept of strain related to physical tension was adapted into describing emotional and mental stress in the 19th century.

The word 'strained' has its origin in the Middle English word 'streinen', which means to constrain or put pressure on. Over time, the word evolved to include meanings related to effort and separation. The adjective form refers to something affected by effort, while the verb form involves filtering or separating. The history of 'strained' reflects the concept of exerting pressure or force to achieve a desired result.

See also: strain, strainer, strainers, straining.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,275 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.