Tenable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The word 'tenable' has its roots in the Old French term 'tenable', meaning 'able to be held, maintained, or defended’. It originates from the Latin word 'tenere', which means 'to hold'. The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, primarily in contexts related to arguments, theories, and positions that require justification or defense. Over time, its usage has expanded to encompass various fields, including law, academia, and environmental studies, where maintaining a position or perspective is essential. The evolution of its meaning reflects the importance placed on reasoned discourse and the necessity to support claims with sound reasoning, particularly in intellectual and formal debates.

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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