C1noun 2K

Strain

🇬🇧 UK /["/streɪn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/streɪn/"]/

Meaning of Strain

pressure on a system or relationship because great demands are being placed on it

In simple words: To make a lot of effort or to injure a muscle.

Strain in a sentence

• The strain on the bridge increased with the heavy traffic.
• She felt a strain in her back after lifting the heavy box.
• The new strain of virus was resistant to many vaccines.
• Farmers developed a strain of wheat that grows faster.
• There was a visible strain in the relationship after the argument.
• Muscle strain is a common injury among athletes.

How to use Strain

Use 'strain' when discussing physical effort, injuries, or intense focus. Often used in exercise contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations.

Grammar pattern

strain + object

Memory hint

Think of 'straining' spaghetti — you're using a lot of effort to separate it from the water.

Related words

Collocations with Strain

• considerable
• enormous
• great
• be under
• come under
• feel
• show
• take its toll (on somebody)
• tell (on somebody)
• under the strain
• strain on
• a bit of a strain
• signs of strain
• stresses and strains
• considerable
• enormous
• great
• be under
• come under
• feel
• show
• take its toll (on somebody)
• tell (on somebody)
• under the strain
• strain on
• a bit of a strain
• signs of strain
• stresses and strains
• bad
• slight
• back
• be suffering from
• have
• get
• new
• mutant
• virulent
• discover
• identify
• analyse/​analyze
• strain of

Synonyms for Strain

• stress
• tension
• pressure
• strain
• exertion

Opposites of Strain

• relax
• release
• ease

Common mistakes with Strain

• Confused with 'stain' when writing.
• Used as a noun without clarification (e.g., strain of effort).
• Incorrectly conjugating in different tenses.

Frequently asked questions about Strain

What does Strain mean?

To make a lot of effort or to injure a muscle.

What is the definition of Strain?

pressure on a system or relationship because great demands are being placed on it

How do you use Strain in a sentence?

The strain on the bridge increased with the heavy traffic.

Can you give another example of Strain?

She felt a strain in her back after lifting the heavy box.

What are synonyms for Strain?

Common alternatives include stress, tension, pressure, strain, exertion.

What is the opposite of Strain?

Opposite meanings include relax, release, ease.

What words go with Strain?

It commonly pairs with considerable, enormous, great, be under, come under, feel, show, take its toll (on somebody), tell (on somebody), under the strain, strain on, a bit of a strain, signs of strain, stresses and strains, considerable, enormous, great, be under, come under, feel, show, take its toll (on somebody), tell (on somebody), under the strain, strain on, a bit of a strain, signs of strain, stresses and strains, bad, slight, back, be suffering from, have, get, new, mutant, virulent, discover, identify, analyse/​analyze, strain of.

What are common mistakes when using Strain?

Confused with 'stain' when writing. Used as a noun without clarification (e.g., strain of effort). Incorrectly conjugating in different tenses.

How do you pronounce Strain?

US: /["/streɪn/"]/, UK: /["/streɪn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Strain?

Use 'strain' when discussing physical effort, injuries, or intense focus. Often used in exercise contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations.

What CEFR level is Strain?

"Strain" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.