Tautness

Tautness refers to the state of being stretched tight or tense. It describes a condition of firmness and rigidity, often associated with physical objects like ropes or muscles. It can also pertain to a mental or emotional state characterized by anxiety, strain, or vigilance. The degree of tautness indicates how tightly something is pulled or how tightly held a mental state may be. The term evokes a sense of pressure, potential for breakage or release, and a heightened state of awareness. Understanding tautness involves recognizing the forces at play and the consequences of its presence.

Tautness meaning with examples

• The sailor adjusted the ropes, checking the tautness to ensure the ship’s sails would catch the wind effectively. Without the correct level of tautness, the sails wouldn't perform optimally, potentially hindering their journey. A precise tautness of the ropes meant smooth sailing ahead. Any slack would decrease performance.
• Her face showed the tautness of someone holding back tears, the corners of her mouth drawing down. The accumulated pressure of the day created a sense of emotional tautness, and the slightest emotional trigger threatened a release. She desperately tried to find a moment to release.
• The athlete felt the tautness in his muscles before the race as he prepared to explode into action. He was acutely aware of the tightness of the tendons and fibers, the prelude to peak performance. That perfect tautness meant that he had to warm up the right way. It represented a readiness to start.
• The detective noticed the tautness in the witness's answers as the questioning intensified, which made it apparent that he might have been hiding something. This indicated a mental or psychological strain, revealing deception. He was on the verge of breaking and gave more information.