Definition

Very tight or strained, often referring to muscles or emotions.

Example

After the long meeting, I felt hypertense and needed to relax.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I felt so hypertense during the exam yesterday.

Really? I always get that way before an important test.

Yeah, I couldn't relax at all, it was exhausting.

I totally get that; maybe we should practice some relaxation techniques together.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypertense → It is formed from "hyper-" (meaning over or excessive) and "tensio" (from Latin, meaning to stretch). The word describes a state of being excessively stretched or tense.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hyper-' meaning excessive and 'tensio' meaning to stretch — this helps you remember that hypertense refers to a state of being excessively tense.

Visually Confused Words