Basic Details
Word: Strain
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: (Noun) A force that pulls or stretches something; (Verb) To make something weaker or to work hard.
Synonyms: Pressure, tension, stress (noun); exert, stretch, tighten (verb)
Antonyms: Relax, ease, release
Idioms and Phrases
- Under strain: To be in a situation that puts a lot of pressure on someone. Example: "She was under strain with all the homework due this week."
- Strain at the leash: To be eager to start or take action, often used for someone who is restless. Example: "The dog was straining at the leash, ready for a run in the park."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The strain of lifting heavy boxes caused him to feel sore afterwards.
Example 2: She had to strain her ears to hear the quiet music from across the room.
Example 3: The team felt the strain of competition as they prepared for the big match.
Fun Fact
The word "strain" comes from the Latin word 'stringere', which means to draw tight. This origination reflects the idea of tension and pressure that we associate with the word today!
Famous Quote
"Out of the strain of the doing, into the peace of the done." Julia M. M. E. Murray
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "strain" mean when used as a noun?
a) A type of music
b) A force that pulls or stretches something
c) A vegetable
d) A kind of tool
Answer: b) A force that pulls or stretches something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "strain" as a verb?
a) Relax
b) Stretch
c) Release
d) Ease
Answer: b) Stretch
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "strain"?
a) Pressure
b) Tension
c) Relax
d) Stress
Answer: c) Relax
4. Which example correctly uses "strain"?
a) She tried to strain the soup with her hands.
b) After running for miles, he felt the strain in his muscles.
c) The strain during the party was very high.
d) The cat strained at the fence to see the birds.
Answer: b) After running for miles, he felt the strain in his muscles.
5. Which idiom includes the word "strain"?
a) Under strain
b) On cloud nine
c) Make a mountain out of a molehill
d) The ball is in your court
Answer: a) Under strain
