Tense

Pronunciation: /tɛns/

Definitions of tense

noun a set of forms taken by a verb to indicate the time (and sometimes also the continuance or completeness) of the action in relation to the time of the utterance

Example Sentences

A1 I feel tense before taking a test.

A2 She always gets tense when speaking in public.

B1 The tense atmosphere in the room was palpable.

B2 The tense negotiations finally led to a resolution.

C1 The tense situation required careful navigation.

C2 The tense relationship between the two colleagues was affecting the entire team.

Examples of tense in a Sentence

formal The atmosphere in the room became tense as the negotiations continued.

informal I could feel the tension in the air as we waited for the results.

slang Things got real tense between them after the argument.

figurative The tension between the two rival teams was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Grammatical Forms of tense

• past tense: loved
• plural: tenses
• comparative: more tense
• superlative: most tense
• present tense: love
• future tense: will love
• perfect tense: have loved
• continuous tense: loving
• singular: tense
• positive degree: tenser
• infinitive: to tense
• gerund: tensing
• participle: tensed

Origin and Evolution of tense

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'tense' originated from the Latin word 'tempus' meaning time.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in grammar to refer to the different forms of verbs indicating time, tense has evolved to also describe a feeling of nervousness or stress.