Tension Meaning
Tension Definition & Usage
The mental or emotional strain caused by stress, anxiety, or nervousness.
Examples
- "There was a noticeable tension in the room as the deadline approached."
- "After the argument, the tension between them was palpable."
- "She could feel the tension building as the final exam drew closer."
- "His body language revealed the tension he was feeling after the stressful meeting."
- "The tension in the air was so thick, you could almost cut it with a knife."
The state of being stretched tight or under strain, often referring to physical objects or forces.
Examples
- "The tension on the wire was so strong that it snapped in the middle."
- "He tightened the tension in the springs to make the chair more comfortable."
- "The rope was under such tension that it could support several hundred pounds."
- "As the tension in the bridge cables increased, the engineers made adjustments."
- "The tension in the bowstring was perfect for shooting arrows with precision."
A state of hostility, conflict, or opposition between two or more groups, ideas, or people.
Examples
- "The political tension between the two countries has escalated over the years."
- "Tensions in the workplace were high due to constant disagreements over project directions."
- "Racial tension in the city boiled over during the protests."
- "The tension between management and the union resulted in a strike."
- "Global tensions rose after the announcement of new trade tariffs."
Cultural Context
Tension is a multi-faceted word that has both physical and emotional connotations. In psychological contexts, it often relates to feelings of anxiety or stress, which are universally experienced across various cultures. The physical use of the term is common in fields like engineering, sports, and physics, where it describes forces or pressures exerted on materials. In social and political contexts, tension describes conflict or opposition, often rooted in historical or current issues. The concept of tension plays a central role in narratives across cultures, especially in literature and film, where it is used to build suspense and drama.
The Tightrope Walk of Life
Story
The Tightrope Walk of Life
Amelia had always felt like she was walking a tightrope. Each day, as she stepped out of bed, the tension in her chest would build, slowly tightening as she faced the challenges ahead. It wasn’t just the pressure of work – though that was certainly part of it – but the constant balancing act of her personal life as well. Her recent breakup with Jason had only added to the weight, leaving her in a constant state of emotional strain. One morning, as she sat in her office, trying to focus on a report, her mind wandered back to the arguments with Jason. There was always this tension between them, a sort of unspoken friction that neither of them could ever quite resolve. It was in the way they looked at each other, the pauses in their conversations, the way words seemed to stretch out before being said. Now, she found herself caught in that same tension, but this time with her thoughts alone. She sighed and walked to the window, staring at the city below. The sky was a deep gray, mirroring her mood. Amelia felt like the tension in her life was building, and if she didn’t release it soon, she might snap. But she didn’t know how to release it. She couldn’t simply walk away from her responsibilities or ignore the mounting pressure. Later that day, she received a call from her boss. The office needed her to take on a critical project that had an even tighter deadline than usual. The tension she had felt earlier in the morning seemed to shift, taking on a more tangible form, like a rope pulled too tightly. As she discussed the details, her grip on the phone tightened, her jaw clenched, and her heart raced. But she knew that this was just another step on the tightrope she had to walk. That evening, as she sat in the park trying to relax, Amelia watched a street performer walking a tightrope strung high between two trees. The performer was balancing so gracefully that it seemed effortless. Amelia realized that perhaps life was like that tightrope – full of tension, yet still something we could navigate with care and balance. The next day, she faced her tasks with a renewed perspective. The tension was still there, but now she saw it as a force she could manage, something that could propel her forward instead of breaking her down. The tightrope walk of life wasn’t easy, but Amelia felt ready to face it, one careful step at a time.
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