Tense

Pronunciation

• enPR: tÄ•ns, IPA: /tÉ›ns/
• Rhymes: -É›ns

From Old French tens (modern French temps), from Latin tempus.

Full definition of tense

Noun

1. (grammar) Any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists.The basic tenses in English are present, past, and future.

Derived terms

• tensal

Verb

1. (grammar, transitive) To apply a tense to.tensing a verb

From Latin tensus, past participle of tendere ("stretch").

Adjective

1. Showing signs of stress or strain; not relaxed.You need to relax, all this overtime and stress is making you tense.
2. Pulled taut, without any slack.

Derived terms

• hypertense

Verb

1. To make or become tense.

Anagrams

• Enets
• sente
• teens