Difference Wiki

Tention vs. Tension: Mastering the Correct Spelling

Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on March 8, 2024
"Tention" is incorrectly spelled; the correct spelling is "tension." Tension refers to the state of being stretched tight or mental or emotional strain.

Which is correct: Tention or Tension

How to spell Tension?

Tention is Incorrect

Tension is Correct

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Key Differences

Recall "tension" includes "ion," a common ending in nouns describing a condition.
Associate "tension" with "intense," both suggesting a high degree of stress.
Link "tension" with "extension," both involving stretching.
Think of "tension" as having "ten" in it, like counting to ten to relax.
Remember, "tension" has an "s," similar to "stress."
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Correct usage of Tension

He felt a lot of tention before the interview.
He felt a lot of tension before the interview.
There was a tention in the rope as it stretched.
There was a tension in the rope as it stretched.
The tention in the room eased after the announcement.
The tension in the room eased after the announcement.
The tention between the two teams was palpable.
The tension between the two teams was palpable.
She tried to relieve the tention with a joke.
She tried to relieve the tension with a joke.

Tension Definitions

Mental or emotional strain.
He could feel the tension in the air during the meeting.
A relationship between ideas or qualities with conflicting demands.
The tension between tradition and innovation is often productive.
The state of being stretched tight.
The rope was under great tension.
A strained political or social state.
The diplomatic tension between the countries was palpable.
The degree of tightness of stitches in knitting.
She adjusted the tension of her knitting needles.
The act or process of stretching something tight.
The condition of so being stretched; tautness.
A force tending to stretch or elongate something.

Tension Sentences

Muscle tension can be relieved through massage and relaxation techniques.
The suspenseful music increased the tension in the movie scene.
The tension headache was a result of stress and lack of sleep.
The bridge's design relies on the balance of tension and compression.
The tension between the characters added depth to the story.
Negotiators worked to ease the tension during the peace talks.
The tension in the air was thick as the competition began.
The tension on the guitar strings affects the sound quality.
The tension mounts as the deadline for the project approaches.
Techniques for managing tension include deep breathing and meditation.
High tension wires are dangerous and should be avoided.
The suspense built up tension leading to the climax of the book.
She practiced yoga to reduce tension and improve her flexibility.
The tension between innovation and tradition can drive progress.
The tension in the spring determines how far it can stretch.
The tension in the courtroom was evident as the verdict was read.

Tension Idioms & Phrases

Tension builds up

The gradual increase of stress or strain in a situation.
As the deadline approached, the tension built up among the team members.

Cut the tension with a knife

Describes a situation where the tension is so thick it feels tangible.
The tension in the meeting room was so high, you could cut it with a knife.

High tension

Refers to a state of intense stress or anxiety.
The high tension in the office made it a difficult place to work.

Release tension

To relieve stress or reduce the intensity of a tense situation.
Going for a run helps me release tension after a long day at work.

Break the tension

To relieve or dissipate stress or awkwardness in a situation.
He told a joke to break the tension during the tense dinner.

Surface tension

The elastic tendency of liquids that makes them acquire the least surface area possible, used metaphorically to describe social or emotional tension.
The surface tension in their relationship was evident, with neither willing to make the first move to reconcile.

Under tension

Being in a state of mental or emotional strain.
She was under a lot of tension due to her upcoming exams.

Tension headache

A common type of headache caused by stress or muscle strain.
After hours of staring at the computer, I often get a tension headache.

Snap under tension

To suddenly break or give way under pressure.
The overworked employee finally snapped under the tension of his demanding job.

Sexual tension

The attraction or romantic tension between individuals that is not openly acknowledged or acted upon.
The characters' interactions were charged with sexual tension, hinting at deeper feelings.

Tension mounts

When stress or pressure in a situation increases significantly.
The tension mounts as the championship game goes into overtime.

Ease the tension

To make a situation less tense or stressful.
The mediator's calm demeanor helped to ease the tension during the negotiations.

Tightrope tension

The balance and stress involved in maintaining a precarious or risky situation.
Managing the project was like walking a tightrope, full of tightrope tension at every turn.

Tighten the tension

To increase stress or make a situation more strained.
The unexpected news only served to tighten the tension in the room.

Tension rod

A rod that uses tension to stay in place, used metaphorically to describe something that maintains balance under stress.
Their strong friendship was the tension rod that kept the group together during hard times.

Tension and release

A technique in music and storytelling where tension is built up and then resolved, creating dynamic interest.
The composer expertly used tension and release to keep the audience engaged.

Racial tension

Strain or conflict between different racial groups.
The community leaders met to discuss ways to address the rising racial tension in the city.

Dial down the tension

To actively reduce stress or conflict in a situation.
The coach called a timeout to dial down the tension and refocus the team.

Feel the tension

To be aware of the stress or strain in a situation.
You could feel the tension in the room as they awaited the decision.

FAQs

Why is it called tension?

The term "tension" comes from the Latin "tensio," meaning stretching or strain.

What is the verb form of tension?

The verb form is "tense."

What is the root word of tension?

The root word is "tensio" from Latin.

What is the pronunciation of tension?

"Tension" is pronounced as /ˈten.ʃən/.

Which vowel is used before tension?

Typically, "the" as in "the tension."

What is the plural form of tension?

The plural form is "tensions."

Which conjunction is used with tension?

Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used depending on the context.

Which article is used with tension?

"The" or "a" can be used, depending on context.

Is tension an adverb?

No, "tension" is not an adverb.

Is tension an abstract noun?

Yes, "tension" is an abstract noun as it refers to an intangible state or condition.

Is tension a collective noun?

No, "tension" is not typically used as a collective noun.

Which preposition is used with tension?

Prepositions like "in," "under," and "between" are commonly used with "tension."

Is tension a noun or adjective?

"Tension" is primarily a noun.

Is tension a negative or positive word?

"Tension" generally has a negative connotation but can be neutral depending on the context.

Is tension a countable noun?

Yes, "tension" can be countable, as in "several tensions."

What part of speech is tension?

"Tension" is a noun.

What is the singular form of tension?

The singular form is "tension."

Is tension a vowel or consonant?

"Tension" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.

Is the word tension imperative?

"Tension" is not imperative; it is a noun.

How do we divide tension into syllables?

Ten-sion.

What is another term for tension?

An alternative term is "strain" or "stress."

What is the opposite of tension?

The opposite could be "relaxation" or "ease."

Which determiner is used with tension?

Determiners like "the," "this," "some" can be used, depending on context.

What is the third form of tension?

"Tension" does not have a third form, as it is not a verb.

Is the tension term a metaphor?

"Tension" can be used metaphorically to describe relationships, situations, or emotions.

What is the first form of tension?

"Tension" is a noun; it does not have verb forms.

What is the second form of tension?

As a noun, "tension" does not have verb forms.

How is tension used in a sentence?

"The tension in the room eased after the good news was shared."

How many syllables are in tension?

"Tension" has two syllables.

What is a stressed syllable in tension?

The first syllable "ten-" is stressed in "tension."
About Author
Written by
Harlon Moss
Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

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