Category:Tense

Tense, n. Etym: [of. tens, properly, time, f. temps time, tense. See Temporal of time, and cf. Thing.] (gram.)

Defn: one of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding Auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event Signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of Time.

Note: the primary simple tenses are three: those which express time Past, present, and future; but these admit of modifications, which Differ in different languages.

Tense Tense, a. Etym: [l. tensus, p.p. of tendere to stretch. See tend to Move, and cf. Toise.]

Defn: stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a Tense fiber. The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness Was upon her. Goldsmith. -- tense"ly, adv. -- tense"ness, n.