Definitions

1. adverb

in a manner that appears or seems to be so, but may not actually be so

“The politician’s campaign promises were made tensely, but it turned out they had no intention of keeping them.”

2. adverb

in a way that suggests or implies something, especially something unpleasant or unpleasantly true

“He spoke tensely about the company’s financial struggles.”

3. noun

a tense or strained relationship or atmosphere

“The tensely atmosphere in the room made everyone uncomfortable.”