French Conversation · Level 63
76 words
French word
tension
Pronunciation
IPA/tɑ̃sjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nountension
Example
Il y a une tension palpable dans la salle.
There is a palpable tension in the room.
More examples
La tension monte avant l'annonce des résultats.
The tension mounts before the announcement of the results.
Core concept
A tight pull running through a body, a room, or an electrical circuit, making the strain or pressure perceptible.
Common phrases
être sous tension
be in a state of tension
tension nerveuse
nervous tension
Similar words
stress: A state of feeling intense mental pressure or strain.
anxiété: A restless feeling caused by strong worry or anxiety.
inquiétude: A worried state caused by concern about the future or a problem.
pression: Pressure from external demands or circumstances that feels overwhelming.
Definition in French
État de nervosité ou d'appréhension chez une personne ou dans une situation; par extension, force qui tend à étirer un objet et, en électricité, différence de potentiel.
Word origin
The noun developed from Latin tensionem, the accusative of tensio, related to tendere, 'to stretch', and French retained both physical and figurative senses.
Usage tips
- In French, tension can mean voltage in technical contexts, as in tension électrique; English 'tension' does not normally have this meaning.