B2noun 2K

Tension

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

Meaning of Tension

a situation in which people do not trust each other, or feel unfriendly towards each other, and that may cause them to attack each other

In simple words: The feeling of stress or worry.

Tension in a sentence

• The tension in the room was palpable before the announcement.
• Muscle tension can cause headaches and discomfort.
• The political tension between the two countries has escalated recently.
• He felt a lot of tension in his shoulders after working long hours.
• The tension in the wire increased as the weight hung from it.
• There was obvious tension among the team members during the meeting.
• The tension on the guitar string affected its sound quality.
• She released tension by doing some deep breathing exercises.

How to use Tension

Use 'tension' when talking about stress in situations or relationships. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'ten-sion' as if you're tensing up muscles when stressed.

Related words

Collocations with Tension

• considerable
• great
• high
• cause
• create
• generate
• build up
• grow
• increase
• tension among
• tension between
• tension in
• a source of tension
• considerable
• great
• high
• cause
• create
• generate
• build up
• grow
• increase
• tension among
• tension between
• tension in
• a source of tension
• inner
• emotional
• nervous
• feel
• suffer from
• sense
• headache
• tension in
• a release of tension
• a sign of tension
• dramatic
• build
• heighten
• increase
• build
• grow
• mount
• string
• adjust
• release
• in tension
• under tension
• tension on

Synonyms for Tension

• stress
• strain
• anxiety
• pressure
• concern

Opposites of Tension

• calmness
• relaxation
• ease

Common mistakes with Tension

• Confused with 'intention'; they sound similar but mean different things.
• Using 'tension' when referring to physical items, like 'tension in a rope', which is less common.
• Mixing 'tense' and 'tension' incorrectly in phrases.

Frequently asked questions about Tension

What does Tension mean?

The feeling of stress or worry.

What is the definition of Tension?

a situation in which people do not trust each other, or feel unfriendly towards each other, and that may cause them to attack each other

How do you use Tension in a sentence?

The tension in the room was palpable before the announcement.

Can you give another example of Tension?

Muscle tension can cause headaches and discomfort.

What are synonyms for Tension?

Common alternatives include stress, strain, anxiety, pressure, concern.

What is the opposite of Tension?

Opposite meanings include calmness, relaxation, ease.

What words go with Tension?

It commonly pairs with considerable, great, high, cause, create, generate, build up, grow, increase, tension among, tension between, tension in, a source of tension, considerable, great, high, cause, create, generate, build up, grow, increase, tension among, tension between, tension in, a source of tension, inner, emotional, nervous, feel, suffer from, sense, headache, tension in, a release of tension, a sign of tension, dramatic, build, heighten, increase, build, grow, mount, string, adjust, release, in tension, under tension, tension on.

What are common mistakes when using Tension?

Confused with 'intention'; they sound similar but mean different things. Using 'tension' when referring to physical items, like 'tension in a rope', which is less common. Mixing 'tense' and 'tension' incorrectly in phrases.

How do you pronounce Tension?

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

When should I use Tension?

Use 'tension' when talking about stress in situations or relationships. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Tension?

"Tension" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.