strained
/streɪnd/ (bre, ipa) · /streɪnd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrānd/ (ame, mw)
strained — adjective
- strainedpositive
- strainedercomparative
- strainedestsuperlative
1. describes a relationship, atmosphere, or situation where arguments, disagreement
describes a relationship, atmosphere, or situation where arguments, disagreements, or unsolved problems have created an unfriendly and tense feeling between people.
Relations between the two departments have been strained ever since the budget cuts were announced.
collocation: strained relations + between [groups]
After their argument about the wedding plans, Mei-Lin and her brother barely spoke — the atmosphere at home was too strained.
collocation: strained atmosphere
Javier tried to joke during the meeting, but the strained silence told him nobody was in the mood.
- harmonious
describes a relationship that works well together
- relaxed
describes an atmosphere free of tension
文法句型
strained + noun (relationship / atmosphere / relations)
用法筆記
Frequently used with nouns like 'relationship', 'relations', 'atmosphere', 'silence'. The cause of the tension is often stated nearby (e.g., 'after the argument', 'because of the budget cuts').
常見錯誤
2. showing that someone is nervous, worried, or under pressure — used to describe a
showing that someone is nervous, worried, or under pressure — used to describe a voice, face, smile, or manner that does not seem relaxed or natural because the person is stressed.
Dr. Okafor's voice sounded strained as he explained the test results to the patient's family.
collocation: strained voice
Wei gave a strained smile when his colleague asked if he had slept well, but his red eyes told a different story.
collocation: strained smile
Amara's expression looked strained throughout the interview, and she kept gripping the edge of her chair.
文法句型
strained + noun (voice / face / smile / expression / laugh)
用法筆記
Describes observable signs (voice, face, smile) rather than a person's internal state directly. To describe how a person feels inside, use 'stressed' or 'anxious' instead.
常見錯誤
3. not natural or relaxed; produced or done with obvious effort rather than genuine
not natural or relaxed; produced or done with obvious effort rather than genuine feeling — used of laughter, conversation, politeness, writing, or any behaviour that feels artificial.
The conversation at the dinner table felt strained — everyone was being polite but nobody really wanted to be there.
Mr. Chen's apology sounded strained and rehearsed, as if he had memorized every word.
collocation: strained + apology / laugh / compliment
The actress's performance in the second act felt strained — she was trying too hard to show emotion.
- forced
very close in meaning; emphasises deliberate effort even more
- artificial
stronger negative connotation of insincerity
- unnatural
broader; can describe anything that deviates from normal behaviour
- natural
describes behaviour that is effortless and genuine
- spontaneous
describes behaviour that happens without premeditation
文法句型
strained + noun (laugh / conversation / performance / politeness)
用法筆記
Sense 3 describes something that appears forced or unnatural (e.g., a smile, performance, or laugh), whereas sense 2 describes a person's internal state of nervousness or worry as shown through their voice or face. If the focus is on the artificial quality of the behaviour itself, use sense 3; if the focus is on the person's hidden anxiety, use sense 2.