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tenso

tense

adjective TEN-soh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Textures

Also means

taut

Usage Note

Tenso describes both physical tension (a taut rope, cuerda tensa) and emotional or situational tension (ambiente tenso, conversación tensa). It contrasts with relajado (relaxed). The noun tensión shares the root; do not confuse with the verb tener (to have) — tenso comes from Latin tensus, past participle of tendere.

Examples

"El ambiente en la reunión estaba muy tenso."

Natural Translation

The atmosphere at the meeting was very tense.

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