strained

/streɪnd/
/streɪnd/
IPA guide

Other forms: strainedly

Definitions of strained
  1. adjective
    lacking natural ease
    synonyms: labored, laboured, stilted
    awkward
    lacking grace or skill in manner or movement or performance
  2. adjective
    lacking spontaneity; not natural
    “a strained smile”
    synonyms: constrained, forced
    affected, unnatural
    speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
  3. adjective
    struggling for effect
    synonyms: agonistic
    affected, unnatural
    speaking or behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
  4. adjective
    showing signs of mental and emotional tension
    “her voice was strained as she asked the question”
    synonyms:
    tense
    in or of a state of physical or nervous tension
Pronunciation
US
/streɪnd/
UK
/streɪnd/
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