Definition

In a way that shows nervousness or anxiety; with tension or stress.

Example

She waited tensely for the results of the exam.

Conversation

Did you see how the players were moving on the field?

Yeah, they were playing so tensely in that last quarter.

I felt the pressure just watching them!

Same here! It made the game so much more exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Tensely** → It is formed from "tense" (from Latin *tensus*, meaning stretched) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "tensely" describes doing something in a stretched or tight manner, often indicating nervousness or anxiety.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'tense' which means stretched or tight, and remember that 'tensely' means doing something in a tight or anxious way.

Visually Confused Words