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Stressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stressed

[strest ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

feeling worried or anxious

Synonyms

anxious, tense, worried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stressed

Stressed is used when a person feels overwhelmed by pressure from tasks, responsibilities, or difficult situations.

  • I've been feeling really stressed at work lately with all these deadlines.
  • She looked stressed out after her long day at the office.
worried

Worried indicates concern or anxiety over a potential problem or event. It often focuses on specific issues rather than a general feeling.

  • I'm worried about my mother's health.
  • He was worried that he might miss his flight.
anxious

Anxious describes a feeling of worry or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It often refers to a more general sense of nervousness or apprehension.

  • He's anxious about the upcoming exam results.
  • Feeling anxious before a big presentation is completely normal.
tense

Tense refers to a state of mental or emotional strain. It can also describe a situation that is causing tension, often where conflict might arise.

  • The room was tense as they awaited the decision.
  • She felt tense before her job interview.

Examples of usage

  • She looked very stressed about the upcoming exam.
  • The stressed mother tried to balance work and family responsibilities.
Context #2 | Adjective

physics

subjected to pressure or tension

Synonyms

strained, taut, tense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stressed

Used when someone feels overwhelmed or under a lot of pressure, emotionally or mentally.

  • She was so stressed about the exams that she couldn't sleep
  • He's been feeling stressed at work lately
tense

Used to describe situations or individuals that are showing signs of nervousness or anxiety.

  • The atmosphere in the meeting was tense
  • She felt tense before her big presentation
strained

Often used when there's tension or pressure in a relationship or situation. It can also refer to a physical injury.

  • Their friendship became strained after the argument
  • He strained his ankle during the hike
taut

Describes something that is tightly stretched, like a rope or muscle. It can also describe a tense atmosphere.

  • The rope was pulled taut
  • There was a taut silence in the room as everyone waited for the news

Examples of usage

  • The stressed metal showed signs of deformation.
  • The stressed beam could no longer support the weight.
Context #3 | Verb

action

put emphasis on; highlight

Synonyms

emphasize, highlight, underscore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stressed

When you want to show that something is causing pressure or tension, particularly affecting someone emotionally.

  • She felt stressed about the upcoming exam
  • The teacher stressed the importance of attending every class
emphasize

When you want to make something more clearly defined or highlighted, typically in speech or writing. Usually used in formal or neutral settings.

  • He emphasized the need for more research in this area
  • The coach emphasized teamwork and collaboration
highlight

When you want to draw special attention to something, often used both in casual and professional contexts.

  • Let's highlight the key points of the presentation
  • The report highlights the main achievements of the project
underscore

When you want to show that something is particularly important or to reinforce it, slightly more formal than 'emphasize'.

  • The findings underscore the necessity for change
  • Her comments underscore the value of customer feedback

Examples of usage

  • The speaker stressed the importance of environmental conservation.
  • She stressed the need for teamwork in the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Stress can trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, making you feel more alert but also anxious.
  • There are two main types of stress: acute, which is short-term and can be exciting; and chronic, which is long-lasting and can lead to health issues.
  • Healthy coping mechanisms, like exercise and talking to friends, can reduce the effects of stress on the body.

Health

  • Chronic stress is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression.
  • Mindfulness and meditation are effective techniques for managing stress and improving mental health.
  • Physical symptoms of stress can include headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures have unique practices for managing stress, such as mindfulness in Buddhism or yoga in Hinduism.
  • Work-life balance is emphasized in various cultures as a way to combat stress, encouraging time off and personal care.
  • In some societies, sharing meals with family and friends is seen as a significant way to relieve stress.

Education

  • Students often experience stress from exams and deadlines, which can affect their performance and mental health.
  • Teachings about stress management and emotional intelligence are becoming common in school curriculums.
  • Learning to recognize signs of stress early can help individuals seek support when needed.

Origin of 'stressed'

The word 'stressed' originated from the Latin word 'strictus', which means tight or drawn together. It was later adapted into Middle English as 'stressed' with a similar meaning of pressure or strain. Over time, the word evolved to encompass both emotional and physical tension, reflecting the modern usage in various contexts.

See also: destressing, stress, stressor.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,917, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.