tension

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
  2. noun the physical condition of being stretched or strained
  3. noun a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature)

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French tension, from Latin tēnsiō.

In classic literature

Synonyms

tenseness, stress

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