strained

/streɪnd/ (bre, ipa) · /streɪnd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrānd/ (ame, mw)

strained — 形容詞

  • strainedpositive
  • strainedercomparative
  • strainedestsuperlative

1. describes a relationship, atmosphere, or situation where arguments, disagreement

1.形容詞B2
釋義

緊張的；不和

因問題或爭執而氣氛不佳的

describes a relationship, atmosphere, or situation where arguments, disagreements, or unsolved problems have created an unfriendly and tense feeling between people.

例句

Relations between the two departments have been strained ever since the budget cuts were announced.

自從宣布預算削減以來，這兩個部門之間的關係一直很緊張。

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.

美琳和哥哥為了婚禮計畫吵了一架之後，兩人幾乎不說話——家裡的氣氛太緊繃了。

collocation: strained atmosphere

同義詞
  • tense

    more general and slightly stronger — implies immediate threat of conflict

  • uneasy

    focuses on the uncomfortable feeling rather than the relationship itself

  • awkward

    more about social embarrassment; less about deep conflict

反義詞
  • 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

❌The water is strained.
✅The water is filtered.
💡'strained' for relationships/atmospheres, not for physical filtering of liquids.
❌I felt strained with my friend.
✅My relationship with my friend felt strained.
💡The subject should be the relationship or atmosphere, not a person feeling the emotion.

2. showing that someone is nervous, worried, or under pressure — used to describe a

2.形容詞B2
釋義

緊繃的；焦慮

表現出擔心或壓力的神情

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.

例句

Dr. Okafor's voice sounded strained as he explained the test results to the patient's family.

Okafor 醫師向病患家屬解釋檢查結果時，聲音聽起來很緊繃。

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.

同事問偉昨晚睡得好不好時，他勉強擠出一個笑容，但發紅的眼睛透露了實情。

collocation: strained smile

同義詞
  • tense

    broader — can describe both the person and the situation

  • forced

    focuses on the lack of naturalness in the behaviour

  • drawn

    specifically about facial appearance showing tiredness or worry

反義詞
  • relaxed

    describes a calm, easy manner

  • natural

    describes behaviour that is effortless and unforced

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

❌I am very strained about the exam.
✅I am very stressed about the exam.
💡'strained' describes visible behaviour or appearance, not internal feelings.

3. not natural or relaxed; produced or done with obvious effort rather than genuine

3.形容詞B2
釋義

不自然的；勉強

缺乏自然輕鬆感、刻意做出的

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.

例句

The conversation at the dinner table felt strained — everyone was being polite but nobody really wanted to be there.

晚餐桌上的談話顯得很勉強——每個人都很有禮貌，但其實沒有人真的想待在那裡。

Mr. Chen's apology sounded strained and rehearsed, as if he had memorized every word.

陳先生的道歉聽起來很勉強又像背過的一樣，彷彿每個字都事先記好了。

collocation: strained + apology / laugh / compliment

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The food tasted strained.
✅The food tasted forced / unnatural.
💡'strained' is not generally used for flavours.