tense

What is the Definition of tense?

Noun:

1. a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time

Verb:

1. become stretched or tense or taut
2. increase the tension on
3. become tense, nervous, or uneasy
4. cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious

Adjective:

1. in or of a state of physical or nervous tension
2. pronounced with relatively tense tongue muscles (e.g., the vowel sound in `beat')
3. taut or rigid; stretched tight

Other meanings of tense (synonyms, cognates).