tightness

/ˈtaɪtnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈaɪtnəs] /ˈtaɪtnəs/ (ame, ipa)

tightness — 名詞

1. the state of clothing fitting very closely against your skin, often in a way tha

1.名詞B1
釋義

緊身

衣服穿起來太緊的狀態

the state of clothing fitting very closely against your skin, often in a way that feels uncomfortable or restricts movement

例句

Vivek complained about the tightness of his new shirt around the collar.

Vivek 抱怨他的新襯衫領口太緊。

tightness of + possessive + clothing item

The tightness of Meera's jeans made it hard to bend over and tie her shoes.

Meera 的牛仔褲太緊，讓她很難彎下腰繫鞋帶。

同義詞
  • snugness

    positive connotation of fitting pleasantly close; less common for discomfort

  • closeness

    more general term for a fit with little extra space

反義詞
  • looseness

    the opposite of tight-fitting clothing

文法句型

tightness + of + clothing item

用法筆記

Subject is always a specific piece of clothing or a body part it covers. Frequently paired with 'relieve', 'feel', or 'complain about'.

常見錯誤

❌I feel tightness in my new coat.
✅I feel the tightness of my new coat.
💡Use 'of' to connect the garment to the sensation.

2. an uncomfortable feeling that your chest, throat, or muscles are being squeezed

2.名詞B2
釋義

緊繃

胸部、喉嚨等身體部位的壓迫感

an uncomfortable feeling that your chest, throat, or muscles are being squeezed or pressed from inside

例句

Asher felt a sudden tightness in his chest after running up three flights of stairs.

Asher 跑上三層樓梯後，突然感到胸口發緊。

tightness in [body part]

The doctor asked Nora if the tightness in her throat came and went.

醫生問 Nora，她喉嚨的緊繃感是否時好時壞。

同義詞
  • constriction

    more formal and precise, often used in medical writing

  • pressure

    broader term; does not always suggest physical tightness

反義詞

文法句型

tightness + in + body part

用法筆記

Common in medical contexts. When describing chest tightness as a symptom, it is serious and requires medical attention. The body part always follows 'in', never 'of'.

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of my chest worried me.
✅The tightness in my chest worried me.
💡Use 'in', not 'of', when referring to a body-part sensation.

3. the quality of speaking or holding your face in a way that shows you are angry,

3.名詞B2
釋義

緊繃神情

表情或語調因情緒而顯得僵硬

the quality of speaking or holding your face in a way that shows you are angry, worried, or upset, rather than calm and relaxed

例句

Jude noticed the tightness in his mother's voice when she talked about the hospital visit.

Jude 注意到母親談到去醫院的事時，語氣中帶著緊繃。

tightness in [possessive] voice

The tightness of Dewi's jaw told her colleagues that she was furious about the decision.

Dewi 緊繃的下巴讓同事們看出她對那個決定非常不滿。

tightness of [possessive] jaw

同義詞
  • tension

    covers both visible strain and internal stress; more general

  • stiffness

    focuses more on lack of relaxation in facial muscles

反義詞
  • relaxation

    calm, loose facial expression or voice

  • ease

    natural, unforced manner

文法句型

tightness + in/of + voice/expression/jaw

用法筆記

The tightness is visible or audible — it is something others can perceive, not an internal physical sensation. Distinguish from sense 2 (BODY PRESSURE), which describes a physical feeling the person experiences themselves.

常見錯誤

❌I felt a tightness in my smile.
✅There was a tightness in her smile.
💡This sense describes what other people observe, not what the person feels inside.

4. how securely something is held in place, so that it will not come loose, open, o

4.名詞B2
釋義

緊固

蓋子、繩結等固定得牢固

how securely something is held in place, so that it will not come loose, open, or move around

例句

Vivek tested the tightness of the jar lid before putting it in his backpack.

Vivek 測試了罐頭蓋子的緊度，確定蓋緊了才放進背包。

tightness of [object]

Anjali could not open the jar because the tightness of its lid defeated every trick she tried.

Anjali 打不開那個罐子，因為瓶蓋的緊度讓她用盡方法都轉不動。

tightness of the lid + defeated efforts

同義詞
  • security

    emphasises safety and stability rather than physical firmness

  • fastness

    rare; mostly used for knots or moorings

反義詞
  • looseness

    when something can move or shake easily

文法句型

tightness + of + object (lid, knot, screw, seal)

用法筆記

Object of the preposition 'of' is a physical fastener or closure (lid, screw, bolt, knot, seal). Frequently paired with 'check', 'test', or 'ensure'.

常見錯誤

❌Check the tightness of your muscles.
✅Check the tightness of the screws.
💡This sense applies to mechanical fixings and closures, not body parts.

5. the state of a rope, cable, fabric, or similar material being stretched so that

5.名詞B2
釋義

繃緊

繩索、布料等被拉緊的狀態

the state of a rope, cable, fabric, or similar material being stretched so that there is no extra length or give left

例句

Asher adjusted the tightness of the guitar strings until each note sounded clear.

Asher 調整了吉他弦的鬆緊，直到每個音都聽起來很清澈。

tightness of the strings

Nora pulled the rope until she was satisfied with the tightness of the clothesline.

Nora 拉緊繩子，直到她對曬衣繩的緊度感到滿意。

同義詞
  • tautness

    more precise for stretched materials; less common in everyday speech

  • tension

    the force or degree of stretch; common in technical contexts

反義詞
  • slackness

    when a rope or cable has too much extra length

  • looseness

    general opposite for flexible materials

文法句型

tightness + of + string/rope/cable/canvas/fabric

用法筆記

Only for flexible materials that can be stretched. Often used in music (strings), art (canvas), and outdoor activities (ropes, lines). Distinguish from sense 4 (FIRM SEAL), where the object is a rigid fastener rather than a flexible material.

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of the guitar strings was too loose.
✅The guitar strings were too loose.
💡'Tightness' is a positive quality of adequate stretch, not a way to describe looseness.

6. the condition in a race, election, or other contest where competitors are so equ

6.名詞B2
釋義

拉鋸

比賽競爭激烈、勝負難分

the condition in a race, election, or other contest where competitors are so equally matched that the outcome is uncertain until the very end

例句

The tightness of the election race kept voters watching the news until the final count.

選情陷入拉鋸，選民一直盯著新聞直到最後開票。

tightness of the [event]

Jude enjoyed the tightness of the tennis match, with both players winning set after set.

Jude 很享受那場網球比賽的緊張刺激，雙方選手各贏好幾盤。

同義詞
  • closeness

    the most common everyday alternative; 'the closeness of the race'

  • evenness

    formal; highlights that competitors are equally skilled

反義詞
  • landslide

    a contest with a very large margin of victory

文法句型

tightness + of + noun (race/election/competition/match)

用法筆記

Almost always followed by 'of' + a contest noun (race, election, match, competition, game). Describes the quality of the competition itself, not the feelings of the participants.

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of the players was amazing.
✅The tightness of the match was amazing.
💡This sense describes the contest, not the athletes.

7. the quality of a road, path, or route having a bend that turns very sharply rath

7.名詞B2
釋義

急彎

道路彎曲角度小的特性

the quality of a road, path, or route having a bend that turns very sharply rather than gradually — for example, the tightness of a mountain hairpin turn that forces drivers to slow down to nearly a stop.

例句

The tightness of the bend on Highway 17 forced drivers to slow nearly to a stop.

17 號公路那處彎道的急彎程度迫使駕駛人幾乎得停車才能過。

tightness of [road feature] + forces [result]

Andrés complained about the tightness of the hairpin turns on the mountain road.

Andrés 抱怨山上那條路的髮夾彎太急了。

同義詞
  • sharpness

    more general; can describe angles, turns, or pain

  • narrowness

    focuses on width rather than the angle of the turn

反義詞

文法句型

tightness + of + noun phrase referring to a path/road/turn

用法筆記

This sense is most common when describing roads, paths, staircases, and other physical routes. It is typically used in the pattern 'the tightness of + noun' followed by a result clause.

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of the knot was hard to undo.' (refers to firm fastening, not a curve).
✅The tightness of the bend caught the cyclists off guard.
💡use 'bend' or 'curve' to refer to a road's shape, not 'knot' or 'grip.'

8. the quality of a group of people having very strong personal bonds and knowing o

8.名詞B2
釋義

緊密關係

人與人之間關係親密的狀態

the quality of a group of people having very strong personal bonds and knowing one another well — for example, the tightness among siblings who grew up sharing everything.

例句

The tightness of the neighborhood meant families looked out for each other's children.

這個社區的人關係很緊密，大家都會互相照看彼此的孩子。

tightness of [group] + meant that [result clause]

Dewi credits her book club's tightness to ten years of monthly meetings.

Dewi 認為她的讀書會成員關係緊密，因為他們十年來每個月都聚會。

同義詞
  • closeness

    the most common synonym; slightly less informal

  • bond

    more countable; 'a strong bond' vs. 'tightness' which is uncountable

  • intimacy

    suggests emotional depth; more formal

反義詞

文法句型

tightness + of + group/personal relationship

用法筆記

Subject is typically a social group: family, team, community, neighborhood, group of friends. Frequently paired with verbs like 'credit,' 'attribute,' or 'explain.'

常見錯誤

❌The tightness between the two countries is strong.' (diplomatic relations use different vocabulary).
✅The tightness among the rescue workers made them highly effective.
💡use 'tightness' for personal relationships, not for political or economic ties.

9. a situation in which there is very little of something that is needed, such as m

9.名詞B2
釋義

短缺；不足

金錢、時間或空間不足的狀態

a situation in which there is very little of something that is needed, such as money, time, living space, or supplies — for example, the tightness of a family budget during an economic downturn.

例句

The tightness of the budget forced the school to cancel its annual music program.

預算緊縮迫使學校取消了年度音樂課程。

tightness of the budget + forced [someone] to [action]

Eli felt the tightness of his schedule when three reports were due in two days.

Eli 的工作行程排得很緊，他必須在兩天內完成三份報告。

同義詞
  • shortage

    more direct; commonly used for concrete goods ('water shortage')

  • scarcity

    more formal; used for both concrete and abstract resources

  • lack

    simpler and more general

反義詞
  • abundance

    plenty of something

  • plenty

    a sufficient or more than sufficient amount

文法句型

tightness + of + resource (money/time/space)

用法筆記

Commonly followed by a descriptive prepositional phrase explaining the cause, or used as the subject of a clause describing a consequence. Frequently paired with 'budget,' 'space,' 'schedule,' or 'supplies.'

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of my shoes hurts my feet.' (refers to physical fit, not scarcity).
✅The tightness of the housing market made it hard to find a rental.
💡use 'tightness' with abstract resources (money, time, space), not with physical fit.

10. how strictly rules, controls, or security measures limit what people can do — fo

10.名詞C1
釋義

嚴格；嚴密

規則或控制非常嚴格，限制很多

how strictly rules, controls, or security measures limit what people can do — for example, the tightness of airport screening after a security threat.

例句

The tightness of new data privacy rules left companies scrambling to update.

新的資料隱私規定非常嚴格，許多公司都忙著更新系統符合要求。

tightness of [rules/controls] + left [someone] [result]

Hugo was frustrated by the tightness of visa rules that needed documents he could not get.

Hugo 因為簽證要求之嚴格感到沮喪，有些必要文件他根本拿不到。

同義詞
  • strictness

    more commonly used; directly refers to rules being strict

  • stringency

    more formal; often used in legal and regulatory contexts

反義詞
  • leniency

    permissiveness or lack of strictness

  • looseness

    lack of strict control or regulation

文法句型

tightness + of + controls/rules/security

用法筆記

Subject is usually an institutional regulation or security measure. The tightness is typically presented as causing a limitation or difficulty. Frequently followed by 'of + noun phrase' and a result clause introduced by 'meant that' or 'left.'

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of her grip on the handlebar kept her safe.' (refers to physical firmness, not rules).
✅The tightness of the new zoning laws prevented the company from building on that land.
💡use 'tightness' for rules/controls, not for physical hold.

11. the quality of a musical group or live performance being very precise and well-c

11.名詞C1
釋義

精準默契

表演或樂團配合精準的狀態

the quality of a musical group or live performance being very precise and well-coordinated, with all members working together smoothly and maintaining a unified sound — for example, the tightness of a jazz quartet that has played together for many years.

例句

The band's tightness impressed the audience; every note landed at just the right moment.

那個樂團的配合令人印象深刻，每個音符的時機都恰到好處。

tightness of the band + impressed + every note

Hao said the orchestra's tightness came from years of rehearsing together.

Hao 說交響樂團的演出之所以精準，來自多年一起排練的默契。

同義詞
反義詞
  • looseness

    lack of precision or coordination in performance

文法句型

tightness + of + musical group/performance

用法筆記

Domain-specific to music and performance. Typically paired with 'band,' 'orchestra,' 'choir,' 'rhythm section,' or 'ensemble.' Often the subject of praise: 'critics praised / audience was impressed by the tightness of...'

常見錯誤

❌The tightness of the team's defense won the game.' (referring to sports; 'tight defense' exists but as an adjective, not this noun sense).
✅The tightness of the jazz trio's playing earned them a standing ovation.
💡this sense is primarily about musical performance coordination.

12. how unwilling a person is to spend money or share what they have; a tendency to

12.名詞C1
釋義

吝嗇；小氣

不願意花錢的個性

how unwilling a person is to spend money or share what they have; a tendency to hold tightly to one's money — for instance, a wealthy person who still refuses to pay for basic repairs.

例句

The old landlord's tightness was well known; he never fixed the broken heater in winter.

那位老房東的吝嗇是出了名的，即使冬天他也不肯修理壞掉的暖氣。

tightness of [person] + was well known; [consequence]

Karim's tightness with money became a joke among friends.

Karim 在錢方面很小氣，朋友們常開玩笑說他一定會躲開餐廳的帳單。

tightness with money

同義詞
  • stinginess

    more common; directly describes unwillingness to spend

  • miserliness

    stronger negative tone; suggests extreme tightness

  • meanness

    British English; describes unwillingness to spend money

反義詞
  • generosity

    willingness to give or spend freely

  • lavishness

    tendency to spend freely and often excessively

文法句型

tightness + with + money

用法筆記

Carries a negative connotation — implies the person is excessively or unreasonably unwilling to spend. For a neutral or positive sense of careful spending, use 'frugality' or 'thrift' instead.

常見錯誤

❌His tightness with his time meant he never relaxed.' (not used for time/effort in this sense).
✅Her tightness with money frustrated her children, who could not get new school shoes.
💡this sense specifically describes unwillingness to spend money, not other resources.