Reading Theme:
Strain: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：pressure or stress (strain)
strain
/streɪn/
v./n.
Pressure that makes you feel worried or tired, like when you have too much to do or handle.
pressure or stress
➕
/ˈprɛʃər ɔːr strɛs/
v./n.
A state of mental or emotional tension resulting from demanding circumstances.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight, bind). Entered English via Old French 'estreindre'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a train (sounds like strain) pulling a heavy load—it's under great pressure and tension.
📖 Example
The constant strain of preparing for the final exams left him feeling exhausted.
The ongoing mental pressure from exam preparation caused him extreme fatigue.
🔗 Collocations
under strain – experiencing stress or pressure
put a strain on – to cause stress or difficulty for something
mental strain – psychological stress
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
relaxation (n.) – The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
ease (n.) – Absence of difficulty or effort; comfort.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Latin 'stringere', meaning 'to bind or draw tight'. It evolved through Old French into English, retaining the core idea of tension. This concept of 'tightening' or 'pulling' extends metaphorically to mental stress and physical injury, making it a versatile term in both engineering (material strain) and medicine (muscle strain).
Meaning 2：injure by overuse (strain)
strain
/streɪn/
v./n.
To injure a muscle or similar part of your body by stretching or using it too much.
injure by overuse
➕
/ˈɪndʒər baɪ ˈoʊvərjuːs/
v./n.
To injure a muscle, tendon, or similar bodily tissue by stretching or overexerting it.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He strained his back while lifting the heavy box and had to rest for a few days.
He injured his back muscles from overexertion during lifting and needed to recuperate.
🔗 Collocations
strain a muscle – to injure a muscle by overstretching it
back strain – an injury to the muscles of the back
muscle strain – a minor injury to a muscle or tendon
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
strained (adj.) – Injured by excessive physical effort (e.g., a strained ligament).
Meaning 3：exert effort (strain)
strain
/streɪn/
v./n.
To try very hard to do something, using a lot of effort, like listening or looking carefully.
exert effort
➕
/ɪɡˈzɜːrt ˈɛfərt/
v./n.
To make a strenuous or intense effort, often involving a particular sense or faculty.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She had to strain her eyes to read the tiny print in the dim light.
She needed to exert significant visual effort to decipher the small text under poor lighting.
🔗 Collocations
strain to hear – to listen with great difficulty or effort
strain every nerve – to make the utmost effort
strain forward – to lean forward eagerly or with effort
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
straining (n.) – The act of exerting intense effort.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser