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tension

tension

50 4.2
A feeling of conflict between opposing ideas that creates interest
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛnʃən/
  • Literature
translation icon : tensión
  • The Oppenheimer situation highlights the tension between scientists and the security apparatus.
  • resolve the tension
  • dramatic tension
  • create tension

And this is supposed to set up a tension around that.

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Examples

  • 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.

  • There is a palpable tension in the story as the two characters confront their opposing beliefs.

  • And this is supposed to set up a tension around that.

  • And it's this tension about strength, I think.

  • We do this by bringing up a creative tension from below, so he says.

  • The tension between negative and positive shapes is...

  • 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?

  • Both nations are challenged by the inherent tension between a national curriculum and regional or local variation.

    Academic text (1999)

Synonyms

drama
vstension
  • Informal
488 2.5

A situation full of strong feelings and excitement

is a subtler structural interplay of opposites creating interest rather than emotion
dissonance
vstension
23 7.8

A lack of agreement in what people say, do or think

is a balanced interplay of opposing elements that creates interest
tenseness
vstension
1 4.9

A feeling of nervous worry and stress

is an artistic interplay of opposing elements creating interest not personal strain
confliction
vstension
7.5

A disagreement between ideas, people, or interests

is a balancing interplay between opposites that produces complexity not a clash

Compounds

Angry feelings and conflict between people of different races

surface tension
  • Specialized
5 4.3

A force that makes a liquid surface pull together like a skin

3 6.7

Able to carry a lot of electricity at high voltage

tension pneumo
  • Specialized
3 8.6

Air trapped under pressure in the chest that can collapse a lung and press the heart

Mild to moderate pain at the back of the head or neck caused by stress and tight muscles

A strong sense of nervousness that people can clearly notice

6.0

An electrical wire or system that uses low voltage

A heavy feeling of anxiety that fills a room

A situation with a lot of stress and worry that makes people feel under pressure

A meeting where people feel strong pressure and stress

A situation that feels tense and stressful and needs careful handling

7.4

A pull at the surface between two liquids that do not mix, like oil and water

interfacial tension
  • Specialized
8.7

The force at the surface between two liquids that do not mix, like oil and water

4.5

A disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss even with normal eye pressure

tension ring
  • Offensive
7.5

A ring that you put at the base of the penis to help it stay hard by reducing blood flow

9.3

A situation likely to suddenly become violent or start a fight

A quiet feeling of worry or anger that people do not show

How Tense

to conflict
135 4.1
to clash
46 3.1
tension
  • Literature
50 4.2
contrast
179 2.8
harmony
146 2.5

Surface Forms

tension singular
tensions plural

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.