strain
B1Formal, technical, and everyday use.
Definition
Meaning
To subject to excessive pressure or demand, either physical or mental, that tests or exceeds limits.
1) To filter or separate solids from liquids. 2) A breed or lineage within a species, often in biology or microbiology. 3) A particular tone, style, or tendency in speech, writing, or music.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can refer to both the *cause* (to strain a muscle) and the *result* (to be under strain). It often implies a temporary or undesirable state of tension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. British English may be slightly more likely to use 'strain' in medical/engineering contexts (e.g., 'a groin strain').
Connotations
Similar connotations of pressure and tension in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both, with broad application across domains.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to strain something (e.g., a muscle, a relationship)to strain to do something (e.g., hear, see)to strain something through/out of something (e.g., pasta)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “strain every nerve”
- “strain at the leash”
- “strain credulity”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to pressure on resources, finances, or systems (e.g., 'The supply chain is under immense strain').
Academic
Used in biology (genetic strain), physics (material strain), and social sciences (social strain theory).
Everyday
Commonly used for physical injury, emotional pressure, or filtering food/ liquids.
Technical
A precise engineering term for the deformation of a material under stress; a microbiology term for a genetic variant of a microorganism.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The constant noise was a real strain.
- They discovered a new flu strain.
- The rope snapped from the strain.
American English
- The project put a strain on our budget.
- This antibiotic is ineffective against this bacterial strain.
- The bridge was designed to withstand immense strain.
verb
British English
- You'll strain your back moving that piano.
- She strained the vegetables over the sink.
- He strained to catch their whispered conversation.
American English
- Don't strain your eyes reading in the dark.
- Strain the pasta before adding the sauce.
- The economy is strained by inflation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Drinking tea with a strainer is nice.
- Too much work causes strain.
- The long hours began to strain their friendship.
- A muscle strain can be very painful.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a train (sounds like 'strain') pulling too many carriages – it's under great strain.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE; RESOURCES ARE A STRETCHABLE MATERIAL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'strange' (странный). The Russian 'напряжение' covers both 'strain' and 'voltage'. 'Штамм' is a direct loanword for a microbial strain.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'strain' (pressure/filter) with 'sprain' (ligament injury). Using 'strain' as a direct synonym for 'try very hard' without the connotation of excessive effort or difficulty ('He strained to lift the weight' vs. incorrect 'He strained to be polite').
Practice
Quiz
In a biological context, a 'strain' most closely refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'strain' is an injury to a muscle or tendon (stretched or torn). A 'sprain' is an injury to a ligament (stretched or torn).
Rarely. It typically carries a negative connotation of excessive or harmful pressure. A positive equivalent might be 'challenge' or 'test'.
It is neutral-to-formal. It is appropriate in everyday speech ('eye strain'), but its technical meanings (in engineering, biology) are formal.
The pattern is 'strain something' or 'strain something off/out'. E.g., 'Strain the potatoes' or 'Strain the fat out of the broth'.