How to Pronounce Tense

To pronounce "tense", say TENS-e — 2 syllables, IPA /tɛns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tense

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/tɛns/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tense”

"tense" has 2 syllables: tens-e. It rhymes with intense and pretense, if that helps it stick.

What does tense mean?

noun

  1. (grammar) Any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists.
  2. (grammar) An inflected form of a verb that indicates tense.

    “English only has a present tense and a past tense; it has no future tense.”

verb

  1. (grammar) To apply a tense to.

    “tensing a verb”

Hear “tense” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tense

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

intensepretensesensedenserecompenseimmensecommencefencethenceincensedispenseoffense

Related words

uptighttightsuspensefultautsuspensivestrainstrainedwired

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tense"?▾

"Tense" has 2 syllables: tens · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "tense"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tense" is /tɛns/.

What does "tense" mean?▾

Tense: (grammar) Any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists.

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