tense
/tɛns/ verb C2- To make tense.
- To become tense.
He/she/it tenses · Past tensed · Past participle tensed · -ing form tensing
Verb forms
- Base form
- tense
- He/she/it
- tenses
- Past
- tensed
- Past participle
- tensed
- -ing form
- tensing
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
Had he looked he could hardly have failed to notice the tense rigidity and expectation of her attitude and expression.
Her face was pale and tense.
Holmes's figure seemed to grow taller as he grew tense and ready.
Our conversation was hampered by the presence of the driver of the hired wagonette, so that we were forced to talk of trivial matters when our nerves were tense with emotion and anticipation.
Other matches
Learn tense in real texts
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