tense
|tense|
B1
/tɛns/
tight or time-related
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tense' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tensus,' where 'tendere' meant 'to stretch.'
Historical Evolution
'tensus' transformed into the Old French word 'tens,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tense' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'stretched tight,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'stretched tight' and 'grammatical time.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a grammatical category that locates a situation in time, to indicate when the situation takes place.
The past tense of 'go' is 'went'.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to make or become tense.
She tensed her muscles before the jump.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39