Tensely

Adverb describing a state of anxiety, nervousness, or strain. It indicates a heightened state of emotional or physical tension. This tension can stem from anticipation, uncertainty, fear, or a demanding situation. It often manifests through physical cues such as a stiff posture, shallow breathing, or a furrowed brow, as well as emotional responses like irritability and difficulty relaxing. The degree of tension can vary from mild unease to acute anxiety, depending on the context and individual's personality. It signifies a disruption to the individual's normal equilibrium, creating a sense of pressure and potentially impeding clear thinking or effective action. It paints a picture of a situation where calm is absent, and pressure or worry is omnipresent, influencing behavior.

Tensely meaning with examples

• The crowd waited tensely for the announcement of the winning lottery numbers. Every eye was glued to the screen, and a collective hush had fallen over the room, punctuated only by the rapid thumping of hearts. The air crackled with anticipation as the last number was revealed, and cheers erupted—or groans of disappointment—depending on the ticket holders.
• During the hostage negotiation, the officer listened tensely to the demands, trying to gauge the suspect's emotional state while carefully choosing his words. A single misstep could jeopardize the hostages' safety, forcing him to maintain a calm façade while his mind raced, and his palms sweated, under the weight of the situation.
• The violinist played tensely during the audition, acutely aware of the judges' scrutinizing eyes and the pressure to perform flawlessly. The bow trembled in her hands, and her breathing grew shallow, as the weight of expectation seemed to make the familiar piece difficult. She finally calmed after a deep breath but had made several mistakes.
• He sat tensely through the meeting, dreading the news about potential layoffs. Every word the manager spoke seemed to hold a hidden threat and he was acutely aware of the hushed conversations between colleagues. He ran through worst-case scenarios, trying to calculate the impact on his family, his future and his finances if he lost his job.