crossword clue tense – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "crossword clue tense". We provide solutions across various letter counts, ensuring you find exactly what you need to complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue tense" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TAUT: Stretched or pulled tight; not slack. Often refers to physical tension like a rope or muscle.
5 Letters
STIFF: Rigid or unyielding, often used to describe muscles when they are tense.
6 Letters
STRAIN: To pull or stretch tightly, or to feel mental or emotional pressure, making one tense.
FUTURE: Refers to a grammatical tense that describes actions or states that will happen, as in 'future tense'.
7 Letters
NERVOUS: Feeling anxious or agitated, a common state associated with being tense.
PRESENT: Referring to a grammatical tense that describes actions happening now or habitually, as in 'present tense'.
ANXIOUS: Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, closely related to being tense.
More About "crossword clue tense"
The word "tense" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its versatility. It can refer to a state of physical tightness, like a muscle that's been worked too hard, or a rope pulled taut. This physical meaning often leads to answers like TAUT or STIFF, emphasizing rigidity or lack of looseness.
Beyond the physical, "tense" frequently describes an emotional state. When someone is feeling tense, they are often anxious, stressed, or on edge. This psychological aspect opens up a whole new set of solutions, such as NERVOUS or ANXIOUS, reflecting the mental strain a person might be experiencing.
Perhaps the most distinct usage, especially in crosswords, is its grammatical meaning. In linguistics, "tense" refers to a verb form that indicates the time an action occurred (past, present, future). This can lead to clues where "tense" is directly asking for a time-related word like PAST, PRESENT, or FUTURE. Understanding these different facets of "tense" is crucial for cracking the most challenging crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: Always remember that words like "tense" have multiple definitions. Think physical (taut, stiff), emotional (nervous, anxious), and grammatical (past, present, future).
- Check Word Length: The number of letters in the answer often guides you. Short answers might favor physical or simple grammatical tenses, while longer ones could lean towards emotional states.
- Look for Context Clues: The surrounding words in the clue are vital. Phrases like "verb form," "time," or emotional descriptors can direct you to the correct meaning of "tense."
- Think Synonyms: Once you've identified the likely meaning, brainstorm synonyms for that specific sense of "tense." For example, if it's physical, think "tight," "rigid." If emotional, think "stressed," "anxious."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tense' mean in a crossword clue?
'Tense' can have multiple meanings in crosswords: it might refer to a physical state of being stretched or rigid (like a muscle or rope), an emotional state of anxiety or nervousness, or a grammatical category related to time (e.g., past tense, future tense).
How do I know if 'tense' refers to grammar or emotion in a crossword?
Context clues are key. If the clue mentions verbs, time, or gives an example of a verb form, it's likely referring to grammatical tense. If it involves feelings, stress, or anxiety, it points to emotional tension. Clues about tightness or stiffness often indicate physical tension.
Are there common word lengths for 'tense' answers?
Yes, common answers like TAUT (4 letters) or STIFF (5 letters) often relate to physical tension. Emotional 'tense' might lead to words like NERVOUS (7 letters) or ANXIOUS (7 letters). Grammatical tenses can be shorter, like PAST (4 letters), or slightly longer, like PRESENT (7 letters) or FUTURE (6 letters).