好词典

tense

UK //tens//US //tens//

词源

源自拉丁语 'tensus'(拉伸的),通过古法语 'tens' 进入英语,最初与物理上的拉紧有关,后引申为紧张状态和语法时态。

adjective

❶ 形容肌肉或神经紧绷的状态,表示身体或精神处于紧张不安的状态。

“She felt tense before the job interview.”

(她在面试前感到紧张。)

“His shoulders were tense after working all day.”

(工作一整天后,他的肩膀紧绷。)

同义词:nervous, strained, stressed, anxious

noun

❶ 语法中表示动作发生时间的动词形式,如过去时、现在时、将来时等。

“The past tense of 'run' is 'ran'.”

('run' 的过去式是 'ran'。)

“In English, there are twelve verb tenses.”

(英语中有十二种动词时态。)

同义词:verb form, time form

verb

❶ 使肌肉或身体部位绷紧,或使局势、气氛变得紧张。

“He tensed his muscles before lifting the heavy box.”

(他在举起重箱子前绷紧了肌肉。)

“The argument tensed the relationship between them.”

(争论使他们之间的关系变得紧张。)

同义词:tighten, stiffen, strain

常见短语

tense up — 指身体或精神突然变得紧张,通常因为压力或恐惧。

“She tensed up when the doctor approached with the needle.”

(当医生拿着针靠近时,她突然紧张起来。)

tense situation — 形容局势或关系紧张,可能引发冲突或不安。

“The negotiation created a tense situation between the two companies.”

(谈判使两家公司之间的关系变得紧张。)