Strained
[streɪnd]
Definitions
4 meaningsTo make an unusually great effort, or to cause a force or pressure on something.
[streɪnd]
Exerting oneself to the utmost, pushing beyond a normal limit
She strained to lift the heavy box.
💡 Simply: When you're trying really, really hard to do something, like lifting something super heavy or trying to understand something difficult. Think of it like when you try your hardest to win a game. It's the same as straining!
👶 For kids: Trying very, very hard to do something.
More Examples
I strained my eyes to read the small print.
The engine strained as it climbed the hill.
How It's Used
"The athlete strained every muscle to win the race."
"He strained to hear the whispered conversation."
To pass (a liquid) through a filter in order to remove solid matter; to filter.
[streɪnd]
Filtering a liquid to remove solids.
She strained the sauce to remove the lumps.
💡 Simply: When you pour something through a tool to get out the bits you don't want. Imagine when you make juice and want to get rid of the seeds. You strain them!
👶 For kids: To take the bits out of something, like seeds from juice.
More Examples
Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve.
The gardener strained the soil to remove stones.
How It's Used
"Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve."
"The patient strained to pass a stool."
Showing signs of tension or anxiety; not relaxed; having been subjected to pressure or stress.
[streɪnd]
Showing signs of stress or tension; not relaxed.
The atmosphere in the room was strained.
💡 Simply: When something feels tight or not easy, like a friendship where people aren't getting along or when you're super worried about something. Think of it as feeling a bit like things are about to break.
👶 For kids: When something feels tight or not easy, like you're worried.
More Examples
His voice sounded strained.
Their relationship has been strained recently.
How It's Used
"Their relationship was strained after the argument."
"His face was strained with worry."
Having been subjected to pressure or stress, especially excessive exercise, causing a sprain.
[streɪnd]
Having suffered an injury from excessive use
She had a strained ankle from the hike.
💡 Simply: When a muscle hurts because you used it too much. Like if you run a lot and your legs start to ache.
👶 For kids: When a part of your body is hurt from using it too much.
More Examples
He felt pain in his strained shoulder.
The player had to sit out the game because of a strained muscle.
How It's Used
"He felt pain in his strained back."
"The athlete had a strained hamstring."
Synonyms
Endeavor
Exert
Labor
Filter
Purify
Sift
Anxious
Injured
Pulled
Sprained
Idioms & expressions
strained relations
Difficult or tense interactions between people or groups.
"The strained relations between the two countries have made it difficult to reach an agreement."
From Middle English streinen, from Old French estreindre ('to tighten, squeeze'), from Latin stringere ('to draw tight, bind').
The word 'strained' has been used since the late 14th century, originally in reference to physical exertion or being tightly drawn.
Memory tip
Imagine straining a muscle to pick up a heavy object.