strained

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strained /str'eɪnd/
1 [ADJ]
If someone's appearance, voice, or behaviour is strained, they seem worried and nervous.
Gil sensed something wrong from her father's strained voice...
≠ relaxed
2 [ADJ]
If relations between people are strained, those people do not like or trust each other.
...a period of strained relations between the prime minister and his deputy.

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ablaze

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allowance

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