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Tense vs Suspense - What's the difference?

tense | suspense |

As nouns the difference between tense and suspense

is that tense is any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists while suspense is the condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.

As adjectives the difference between tense and suspense

is that tense is showing signs of stress or strain; not relaxed while suspense is held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.

As a verb tense

is to apply a tense to.

tense

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) tens (modern French temps), from (etyl) tempus.

Noun

(en noun)
  • (grammar) Any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists.
  • The basic tenses in English are present, past and future.
    Derived terms
    * tensal

    Verb

    (tens)
  • (grammar) To apply a tense to.
  • tensing a verb

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) tensus, past participle of .

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Showing signs of stress or strain; not relaxed.
  • You need to relax, all this overtime and stress is making you tense .
  • Pulled taut, without any slack.
  • Derived terms
    * hypertense

    Verb

    (tens)
  • To make or become tense.
  • Anagrams

    * * * ----

    suspense

    Alternative forms

    * (l) (obsolete)

    Noun

    (-)
  • The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • a cool suspense from pleasure and from pain
  • the pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
  • The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
  • * Denham
  • Ten days the prophet in suspense remained.
  • (legal) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
  • Derived terms

    * suspenseful

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
  • * Milton
  • [The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
  • (obsolete) Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.
  • * Milton
  • Expectation held his look suspense .
    ----