stressed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /strɛst/
KK: /strɛst/
adjective
Definition
Feeling anxious or under pressure, often due to difficult situations or demands.
Example
She felt stressed about her upcoming exams.
Conversation
I've been feeling really stressed with all the deadlines coming up.
I know how that feels! Have you been able to take any breaks?
Not really, which makes me even more stressed about everything.
You should try to relax a bit; it might help clear your mind!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tense
anxious
strained
Antonyms
calm
relaxed
easygoing
verb
Definition
To feel anxious or under pressure due to difficult situations or demands.
Example
She felt stressed about her upcoming exams.
Tense Forms
Past: stressed
Past Participle: stressed
Conversation
I really stressed about that exam yesterday.
Yeah, I saw you studying all night!
I just wanted to make sure I didn't fail.
Root Explanation
Stressed → It is formed from 'stress' (from Old French *estresse*, meaning narrowness or oppression) and the suffix '-ed' (indicating a state or condition). The word 'stressed' refers to being in a state of pressure or tension.
Memory Tip
Think of feeling 'oppressed' ('estresse') and how that leads to being in a state of pressure — that's what it means to be stressed.
Visually Confused Words
tressed
unstressed
instressed
distressed
untressed
tressured
unstressedly
unmistressed