Tension Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tension
[ˈtɛnʃən ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tension |
Used when there is a feeling of strain, especially between people or groups. Usually refers to uncomfortable atmosphere.
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| stress |
Describes a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from demanding circumstances. It can refer to both long-term and short-term situations.
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| anxiety |
Refers to a feeling of worry or fear, especially about a potential event or situation. Often associated with a sense of unease or nervousness.
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| pressure |
Used when someone feels a burden or force to perform or make decisions, often from external sources like work or social expectations.
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Examples of usage
- I could feel the tension in the room as we waited for the results.
- The tension between the two rival teams was palpable.
force
The state of being stretched tight.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tension |
Used to describe a situation with high emotional intensity or pressure; can also be used to describe the physical state of being stretched tight.
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| tightness |
Refers to the state of being closely packed or held together; can describe physical sensations or spaces.
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| tautness |
Describes the state of being tightly drawn or the absence of slack; typically used in discussing physical objects.
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| strain |
Often refers to stress and pressure, both emotional and physical, leading to fatigue or damage.
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Examples of usage
- The tension in the rope was so strong that it began to fray.
- The tension in the spring caused it to recoil with force.
relationship
A strained relationship between individuals or groups.
Synonyms
conflict, friction, hostility.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tension |
Use this when describing a situation where there is a feeling of nervousness, stress, or strain between people or in a situation. It does not necessarily involve open fighting, but you can feel the unease.
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| conflict |
This word is best used when referring to a serious disagreement or argument between people, groups, or countries, often leading to action or a struggle rather than just stress.
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| friction |
Use this term to describe minor, but persistent disagreements or clashes between people. It suggests repeated, small conflicts that cause discontent but not necessarily serious arguments.
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| hostility |
This word is used to indicate active dislike, anger, or opposition towards someone or something. It often involves open actions of aggression or animosity.
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Examples of usage
- There was tension between the neighbors due to a property dispute.
- The tension between the coworkers was affecting the team's performance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- High emotional tension can lead to stress, influencing mental health and well-being.
- Tension can be a motivator; it often helps people push through challenges and achieve goals.
Science
- In physics, tension refers to the force transmitted through a string, rope, or wire when it's pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends.
- Tension in fluids is responsible for phenomena such as water droplets forming beads on a surface due to surface tension.
Pop Culture
- Tension is a key element in storytelling; movies often build tension to keep audiences engaged until the climax.
- In music, tension can create emotional impact, with composers using dissonance to evoke feelings of unease before resolving to harmony.
Literature
- Many literary works explore the theme of tension between characters, driving conflict and character development.
- The concept of tension is crucial in poetry, particularly in creating rhyme and rhythm that captures the reader's attention.
Origin of 'tension'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'tensio,' meaning 'to stretch or strain,' highlighting the idea of pulling force.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe both physical and emotional strain.
The word 'tension' originated from the Latin word 'tensio', which means a stretching. The concept of tension has been prevalent in various fields such as physics, psychology, and relationships. Understanding and managing tension is essential for maintaining balance and harmony in different aspects of life.
See also: distend, tend, tendencies, tendency, tender, tending, untended.