uptight

Thân thiện

She feels uptight before her big presentation.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Being in a tense state: Feeling or showing nervousness, anxiety, or being unable to relax, often due to stress, worry, or excessive formality.

Usage

The adjective "uptight" describes a person's mental or emotional state. It is typically used to characterize someone as overly anxious, rigid, or easily stressed, especially in social situations. It often carries a slightly informal or critical tone, suggesting the person should relax more.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She gets very uptight before a big presentation.
  • Don't be so uptight about the rules; we can be a little flexible.
  • His uptight demeanor made it hard for others to feel comfortable around him.

Advanced Usage

• "to be uptight about something": to be overly anxious or rigid regarding a specific issue.
  • He's really uptight about cleanliness.
• Used informally to describe a general personality trait.
  • He's a nice guy but can be a bit uptight.

Variants and Related Words

• Uptightness (noun): The quality or state of being uptight.
  • His constant uptightness was exhausting for the team.

Synonyms

• Tense: Stressed and unable to relax.
• Anxious: Experiencing worry or unease.
• Stressed: Subjected to mental or emotional strain.
• High-strung: Very nervous and easily upset.

Antonyms

• Relaxed: Free from tension and anxiety.
• Easygoing: Relaxed and tolerant in attitude.
• Laid-back: Calm and unhurried.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "To loosen up": (This is not a direct idiom with "uptight," but it is the common advice given to someone who is uptight.) It means to become more relaxed.
  • You need to loosen up and enjoy the party.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. being in a tense state

Từ đồng nghĩa

• edgy
• high-strung
• highly strung
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervy
• overstrung
• restive