Tenable: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term derives from the Latin word 'tenere', meaning 'to hold'.
• First used in English during the late 14th century as 'tenable', it referred to ideas that could be held true or valid.
• In modern usage, it reflects the ability to sustain a point of view in discussions.

Science

• In environmental studies, a 'tenable' proposal refers to sustainable practices that can maintain ecological balance.
• In scientific research, hypotheses must be tenable to ensure they can withstand scrutiny and testing.
• In mathematics, tenable solutions solve problems without contradictions or errors.

Philosophy

• The concept of a tenable belief is crucial in evaluating arguments and theories in ethics and morality.
• Philosophers often debate the tenability of different schools of thought, challenging what we accept as truth.
• A tenable position in philosophy is one that can remain robust against counterarguments.

Literature

• In literary criticism, a tenable interpretation of a text is one that can be well-supported by evidence from the text itself.
• Some literary characters embody tenable philosophies that reflect the views of their time, inviting discussions about their relevance.
• Critics assess a book’s themes based on whether they present tenable arguments about society or human nature.

Everyday Use

• In debate clubs, participants strive to make tenable arguments that can logically convince others.
• Professionals are often required to present tenable strategies during meetings to receive approval for projects.
• In everyday conversations, people appreciate when someone shares a tenable opinion that reflects a balanced understanding of issues.

With rank #16,623, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16620 connotation
• 16621 oiled
• 16622 enquired
• 16623 tenable
• 16624 unwritten
• 16625 unattractive
• 16626 energized
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