A2noun1K

Stress

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