Spanish Conversation · Level 78
60 words
Spanish word
tensar
Pronunciation
IPA/tenˈsaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtighten
Example
Tenemos que tensar la cuerda.
We have to tighten the rope.
More examples
Cuando corres, tiendes a tensar los músculos.
When you run, you tend to tense the muscles.
Core concept
A rope pulled taut.
Common phrases
tensar la cuerda
tighten the rope
tensar los músculos
tense the muscles
Similar words
estresar: Imposes heavy mental pressure that produces acute anxiety or stress.
inquietar: Makes someone uneasy or restless, disturbing their calm.
preocupar: Produces worry or ongoing concern about future events or problems.
intimidar: Threatens or pressures someone so they feel afraid or subdued.
Definition in Spanish
Provocar o aumentar la tensión en una situación, en el cuerpo o en un objeto, de manera que quede más rígido, estirado o nervioso.
Word origin
From Latin tendere 'to stretch', the root tens- plus the Spanish verbal ending -ar produced tensar, meaning to make something physically tight or to raise tension in a person or situation.
Usage tips
- Usually transitive and used with objects or atmospheres (for example tensar el ambiente), while becoming nervous is expressed with ponerse tenso or the reflexive tensarse.