strained / spasmodic
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strained
Describes an action that is carried out with excessive effort, compulsion, or tension. It often suggests a lack of ease or naturalness.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, ein Lächeln aufzusetzen, aber man sah ihm seine Anspannung an.
He tried in a strained way to put on a smile, but you could see his tension.
spasmodic
In a medical context, refers to a condition connected with cramps or involuntary muscle twitches.
Der Patient litt unter krampfhaften Schmerzen im Bein.
The patient suffered from spasmodic pain in his leg.
The word is derived from the noun 'der Krampf' (cramp). A cramp is an involuntary, often painful muscle contraction. This basic idea of tension and unnaturalness appears in both meanings of 'krampfhaft' (strained/spasmodic).
Nach dem langen Lauf bekam ich einen Krampf in der Wade.
After the long run, I got a cramp in my calf.
The context makes the meaning clear. If people are talking about actions and efforts (e.g. laughing, searching, holding on), the figurative meaning 'angestrengt' (strained) is meant. In connection with medical symptoms (e.g. pain, cough), the literal medical meaning is meant.
Sie suchte krampfhaft nach den richtigen Worten.
She searched in a strained way for the right words.
In the figurative meaning, 'krampfhaft' (strained) is very often used as an adverb. It then describes the overly strained way in which an action is carried out.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, seine Nervosität zu verbergen.
He tried in a strained way to hide his nervousness.
tense / cramped
Both words can describe an unnatural, tense action or attitude. „Krampfhaft“ tends to emphasize excessive or forced effort, while „verkrampft“ highlights a tense, not very relaxed state. Use „krampfhaft“ for forced effort and „verkrampft“ for a lack of ease.
Er versuchte krampfhaft, sich an den Namen der Schauspielerin zu erinnern.
He desperately tried to remember the actress’s name.
Beim Gespräch wirkte sie verkrampft und konnte kaum lächeln.
She seemed tense during the conversation and could hardly smile.
