1. stretched tight; not loose or slack
2. feeling or showing nervous stress or anxiety
3. characterized by strain or suspense

1. a form of a verb that indicates the time of an action or state
Usage: grammar

1. to make or become tense

Examples

• The rope was tense and ready to snap.
• She felt tense before the big presentation.
• The atmosphere in the room was tense after the argument.
• Past tense verbs show actions that already happened.
• He tensed his muscles before lifting the weight.
• The situation made everyone tense up.
• Her jaw was tense with concentration.
• Students learn about present, past, and future tense in grammar class.