Dictionary monolingual
English

Stress

strɛs
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Stress -

Mental or emotional strain or tension caused by demanding circumstances

Example: The pressure of work was causing him a lot of stress.
Usage: formalContext: workplace, academic settings, health discussions
Note: Commonly used to describe feelings of anxiety or pressure in various situations.

Emphasis placed on a syllable or word in speech

Example: In the word 'elephant,' the stress falls on the first syllable.
Usage: formalContext: linguistics, language learning
Note: This meaning is often discussed in phonetics and language classes to understand pronunciation patterns.

Physical force or pressure applied to an object

Example: The weight of the books was causing stress on the shelf.
Usage: formalContext: engineering, physics
Note: Used in technical contexts to describe the impact of external forces on structures.

To emphasize the importance or value of something

Example: It's crucial to stress the importance of teamwork in this project.
Usage: formalContext: business meetings, educational settings
Note: Commonly used in discussions to highlight key points or ideas.

To subject to pressure or strain

Example: Please do not stress the fragile glassware.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations, household tasks
Note: Informal usage to caution against applying too much pressure or force.

Stress's synonyms

anxiety

Anxiety refers to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example: The upcoming exam is causing me a lot of anxiety.
Note: While stress can be a general feeling of pressure or tension, anxiety specifically relates to a sense of worry or unease.

strain

Strain refers to the pressure or demand placed on someone that can cause stress or tension.
Example: The constant deadlines at work are putting a strain on my mental health.
Note: Strain implies a sense of pressure or burden, often resulting in stress, whereas stress is the overall feeling of mental or emotional strain.

tension

Tension refers to a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from conflicting or stressful situations.
Example: There was a lot of tension in the room during the heated discussion.
Note: Tension is a specific type of stress related to conflict or pressure, while stress can encompass a broader range of emotional or mental strain.

pressure

Pressure refers to the force or influence that is exerted on someone to achieve a particular result.
Example: The pressure to perform well in the competition is causing me stress.
Note: Pressure is often external and comes from expectations or demands, leading to stress as a result, which can be both internal and external.

Stress expressions, common phrases

Stressed out

Feeling extremely anxious, overwhelmed, or pressured.
Example: I've been so stressed out with work deadlines lately.
Note: The phrase 'stressed out' emphasizes a state of extreme stress or anxiety.

Under pressure

Experiencing stress or urgency to meet expectations or deadlines.
Example: She's been under a lot of pressure to finish the project on time.
Note: This idiom refers to external forces causing stress or urgency on an individual.

Burning the candle at both ends

Working or staying awake for too many hours, leading to exhaustion and increased stress.
Example: Working two jobs and taking night classes, she's really burning the candle at both ends.
Note: This phrase implies overexertion and potential negative consequences.

On edge

Feeling tense, nervous, or irritable due to stress or anxiety.
Example: Ever since the accident, he's been on edge and easily startled.
Note: It suggests a heightened state of alertness or nervousness.

Stress eating

Consuming food as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or emotional distress.
Example: I tend to indulge in stress eating when I have a lot on my plate.
Note: It involves using food as a means to manage stress or emotions.

Tension headache

A headache caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension.
Example: I woke up with a tension headache after a long day of meetings.
Note: It specifies a type of headache directly related to stress.

Stress ball

A small, squeezable ball used as a stress-relief tool to reduce tension.
Example: Using a stress ball helps me relax and focus during tense moments.
Note: It is a physical object designed to alleviate stress or tension.

Hair-pulling situation

A frustrating or stressful situation that causes extreme irritation or exasperation.
Example: Dealing with constant technical issues at work is a real hair-pulling situation.
Note: The phrase conveys a sense of frustration and exasperation.

Stress test

A test to assess how well a system or entity can handle pressure, demands, or extreme conditions.
Example: The software underwent a stress test to determine its performance under heavy loads.
Note: It refers to a specific assessment of performance under adverse conditions.

Stress everyday (slang) expressions

Freaking out

To be extremely worried, anxious, or stressed about something.
Example: I'm freaking out about this presentation tomorrow.
Note: This term conveys a sense of heightened emotion and panic compared to simply being 'stressed.'

On pins and needles

Feeling very anxious or tense, especially while waiting for something.
Example: I've been on pins and needles waiting for the test results.
Note: This phrase implies a state of heightened anticipation and nervousness compared to regular 'stress.'

In a tizzy

To be in a state of confusion, agitation, or anxiety.
Example: She's in a tizzy trying to get everything done before the deadline.
Note: This term suggests a sense of chaos or frenzied stress, rather than just feeling pressured.

Panic stations

A state of extreme urgency or crisis requiring immediate action.
Example: It's panic stations around here with the project falling behind schedule.
Note: This phrase indicates a critical situation where stress levels are at their peak, prompting a swift response.

Having a cow

To overreact or become excessively upset about something.
Example: Don't have a cow, man! It's not that big of a deal.
Note: This slang term suggests an exaggerated response to stress or a situation, often used humorously to downplay the seriousness.

In a flap

To be in a state of agitation, panic, or confusion.
Example: She's in a flap over what to wear to the party.
Note: This expression implies a state of disarray or frantic stress, typically related to minor or trivial matters.

Going bananas

To become extremely stressed, agitated, or overwhelmed.
Example: He's going bananas trying to meet all the deadlines at work.
Note: This term conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or losing control under stress, likening it to erratic behavior.

Stress - Examples

I'm under a lot of stress at work.
The weight of the world is a heavy burden to bear.
Too much exercise can put a strain on your body.

Stress grammar

Stress - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: stress
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): stresses, stress
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): stress
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): stressed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): stressing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): stresses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): stress
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): stress
Syllables, Separation and Stress
stress Contains 1 syllables: stress
Phonetic transcription: ˈstres
stress , ˈstres (The red syllable is stressed)

Stress - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
stress: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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