tension
67
4.2
- noun
- /ˈtɛnʃən/
- Literature
- The Oppenheimer situation highlights the tension between scientists and the security apparatus.
- resolve the tension
- dramatic tension
- create tension
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Watch on YouTubeAnd this is supposed to set up a tension around that.
- And this is supposed to set up a tension around that.
- So, and it is so useful to be in that tension of opposing opinions.
- And then, you know, RFK breaks the tension and then it and then it builds again.
- Females, because we have this tension between fairness and inclusion, right?
- And like again, if you zoom way out, there will always be tension between artistry and business.
- This time I'm going to walk it and use tension notes to lead the line.
- There's an interesting tension there between love and sex or lust.
- So there is this tension between the circadian aspect and your sleep debt.
- So that's, that's the tension that I'm often dealing with.
- So, yeah, tension, contrast and being in control.
- You just have to sharpen the tension. See if you have a knife in your hands.
- I like to make sure that there are obstacles in tension in every scene.
Examples
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Um, Danny, let's talk about the lighting schemes you chose and how you used light to heighten the dramatic tension between the father and the son.
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There is a palpable tension in the story as the two characters confront their opposing beliefs.
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And this is supposed to set up a tension around that.
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And it's this tension about strength, I think.
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We do this by bringing up a creative tension from below, so he says.
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The tension between negative and positive shapes is...
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The contrast of their play to the tension between Lucky and Justice is apparent.
Fiction book (1993) -
In every one of them, this basic tension manifests itself in a different way.
Academic text (1990) -
And isn't that the tension that creates the beauty?
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Both nations are challenged by the inherent tension between a national curriculum and regional or local variation.
Academic text (1999)
Synonyms
444
2.5
A situation full of strong feelings and excitement
23
7.8
A lack of agreement in what people say, do or think
2
4.9
A feeling of nervous worry and stress
1
7.5
A disagreement between ideas, people, or interests
Compounds
- Specialized
6
8.6
Air trapped under pressure in the chest that can collapse a lung and press the heart
2
3.1
Mild to moderate pain at the back of the head or neck caused by stress and tight muscles
1
6.5
A situation with a lot of stress and worry that makes people feel under pressure
- Offensive
1
7.5
A ring that you put at the base of the penis to help it stay hard by reducing blood flow
- Specialized
1
4.5
A disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss even with normal eye pressure
- Literature
1
9.3
A situation likely to suddenly become violent or start a fight
- Specialized
A pull at the surface between two liquids that do not mix, like oil and water
- Specialized
The force at the surface between two liquids that do not mix, like oil and water
How Tense
Surface Forms
Morphology
tension = tend (semi-transparent) = tens + ion
The interplay between opposing elements is a metaphorical extension of the idea of stretching.
Etymology
Tension comes from Latin tendere 'to stretch'. Think of two ideas pulling in different directions — that pull or 'stretch' between them creates interest, which is why tension names a balance or clash in art and ideas.