The Clue
Not easy (5 letter answer)
The Answer
TENSE
Tags
Notes
The answer TENSE is seen frequently, appearing about once every 80 puzzles.
Related Clues
On edge
Edgy
Jittery
Nervous
Present, for one
Strained
Stressed
Suspenseful
Taut
Uptight
Ex-lax?
Future, e.g.
High-strung
Keyed up
Not relaxed
Past, e.g.
Past or present
Perfect, e.g.
Pluperfect, e.g.
Present, e.g.
Up-tight
Worked up
All wound up
English 101 subject
Language study topic
Like a new driver
In need of a massage, maybe
It may be perfect
It may be present
What a verb ending may indicate
What a will, e.g., may indicate?
Definition
TENSE as a noun:
1. a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
TENSE as a verb:
1. (strain, tense) = become stretched or tense or taught; "the bodybuilder's neck muscles tensed;" "the rope strained when the weight was attached"
2. increase the tension on; "alternately relax and tense your calf muscle"; "tense the rope manually before tensing the spring"
3. (tense, tense up) = become tense, nervous, or uneasy; "He tensed up when he saw his opponent enter the room"
4. (tense, strain, tense up) = cause to be tense and uneasy or nervous or anxious; "he got a phone call from his lawyer that tensed him up"
TENSE as an 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; "tense piano strings"