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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Stress: Definition, Usage, and Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：psychological tension (stress)

stress 🔊

/stres/

The feeling of being worried and tense because you have too much to do or think about.

psychological tension 🔊

➕

/ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈtenʃən/

A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from demanding circumstances.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'strictus' (drawn tight), via Old French 'estrece'.

💡 Mnemonic

STRESS sounds like 'press', which is what stress does – it presses on you.

📖 Example

He is under a lot of stress at work, trying to finish the project before the deadline. 🔊 He experiences significant psychological pressure at work due to an approaching deadline.

🔗 Collocations

under stress – experiencing psychological pressure

stress management – techniques to cope with pressure

stress relief – activities that reduce tension

🔄 Synonyms

pressure (n.) – the feeling of being forced to do something

tension (n.) – mental or emotional strain

anxiety (n.) – a feeling of worry or nervousness

🚫 Antonyms

relaxation (n.) – the state of being free from tension

calm (n.) – a peaceful and quiet state

🌱 Derivatives

stressful (adj.) – causing mental or emotional strain

stressed (adj.) – affected by stress

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'stress' originates from Latin 'strictus', meaning 'drawn tight'. It entered English in the 14th century, initially referring to physical force, later extended to mental tension. Today, it is高频 in psychology and workplace discussions on stress management.

Meaning 2：force or emphasis (stress)

stress 🔊

/stres/

1. A physical force that pushes, pulls, or presses on an object. 2. The extra force you put on a word or part of a word when speaking.

force or emphasis 🔊

➕

/fɔːs ɔːr ˈemfəsɪs/

1. A physical force that acts on an object. 2. The emphasis placed on a syllable or word in speech.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The bridge is designed to withstand the stress of heavy traffic and strong winds. 🔊 The bridge is built to endure the physical force from traffic and wind.

🔗 Collocations

stress test – a test to determine durability under force

accentual stress – emphasis on syllables in pronunciation

shear stress – force causing layers to slide past each other

🔄 Synonyms

force (n.) – a push or pull acting on an object

pressure (n.) – the continuous physical force exerted

emphasis (n.) – special importance or prominence given in speech

🚫 Antonyms

relief (n.) – the reduction or removal of stress