Cool MateStress
UK /["/stres/"]/US /["/stres/"]/
Definition
pressure or worry caused by problems in somebody’s life or by having too much to do
In simple words: a feeling of worry or pressure
Examples
- She felt a lot of stress during the exam period.
- To relieve stress, he goes for a long walk every evening.
- The teacher put stress on the importance of studying regularly.
- You should try to manage your stress better for your health.
- They used bold letters to stress the main points in the presentation.
Usage notes
Use 'stress' when referring to mental or emotional strain. It's appropriate in both casual and professional contexts, but avoid using it in very formal writing.
Grammar pattern
stress + object
Memory hint
Think of a heavy weight pressing down, causing you to feel stressed.
Collocations
- considerable
- extreme
- great
- level
- cause
- create
- avoid
- bring something about
- bring something on
- cause something
- level
- control
- management
- under stress
- a source of stress
- a symptom of stress
- enormous
- high
- low
- exert
- set up
- apply
- fracture
- stress on
- under stress
- main
- major
- primary
- carry
- have
- take
- fall
- go
- pattern
- stress on
- enormous
- great
- particular
- lay
- place
- put
- with the stress on
- stress on
Synonyms
- pressure
- tension
- strain
- anxiety
- burden
Antonyms
- relaxation
- calm
- peace
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'stress' with 'stressed' (the past form)
- Using 'stress' as a verb incorrectly in passive voice
- Mixing up 'stress' with 'anxiety' when referring specifically to external pressures