Straining
'streɪnɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsMaking extreme efforts to do or achieve something; pushing oneself physically or mentally.
'streɪnɪŋ
Exerting oneself strenuously.
The athlete was straining to break the world record.
💡 Simply: Like trying really, really hard to lift something super heavy, or to finish a super tough puzzle. You're using all your energy!
👶 For kids: Trying really, really hard.
More Examples
The dog was straining at the leash, eager to run.
She was straining to hear what he was saying over the loud music.
How It's Used
"Weightlifters are constantly straining to lift heavy barbells."
"She was straining to finish the project before the deadline."
Passing a liquid through a filter to remove solid particles or impurities.
'streɪnɪŋ
Filtering a liquid.
She was straining the berries to make a smooth sauce.
💡 Simply: Like using a sieve to get the liquid part and throw away the bits of solids.
👶 For kids: Taking the yucky stuff out of the good stuff, like when you strain juice.
More Examples
He strained the coffee to remove the grounds.
The laboratory was straining the solution to remove unwanted sediment.
How It's Used
"She was straining the broth to remove the solids."
"The doctor was straining the patient's urine sample."
Causing (a part of the body or a thing) to be stretched or exerted to its full extent, or beyond the normal or proper limit.
'streɪnɪŋ
Causing tension or injury.
He strained his back lifting the heavy box.
💡 Simply: When something stretches or pushes past it's usual comfort zone, whether it be a muscle or a situation.
👶 For kids: Making something hurt or become too stretched out.
More Examples
The constant demands were straining the relationship.
The company's finances were straining the company.
How It's Used
"The athlete was suffering from a muscle straining."
"The economic downturn was straining the community's resources."
From Middle English *streinen*, from Old French *estrain-, estraindre* (“to strain, squeeze”), from Latin *stringere* (“to draw tight, bind, press”).
The word 'strain' and its derivatives have existed in English since the Middle Ages, with the meanings of 'to stretch' and 'to filter' evolving over time.
Memory tip
Imagine straining your muscles during a tough workout. You're putting in maximum effort!