Tenet: meaning, definitions and examples

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tenet

 

[ ˈtɛnɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.

Synonyms

belief, doctrine, principle.

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Word Description / Examples
tenet

Often used in formal or academic discussions to describe a fundamental principle or belief that is a core part of a system or philosophy.

  • One of the main tenets of democracy is freedom of speech.
  • The tenets of the scientific method include observation, hypothesis, and experimentation.
principle

Used widely to refer to fundamental truths, laws, or motivations that guide behavior or decision-making. Also used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Honesty is a principle he lives by.
  • The principles of physics govern the behavior of matter and energy.
belief

Commonly used in everyday conversations and can refer to a deeply held personal conviction or opinion, which may or may not be based on evidence.

  • She has a strong belief in the importance of kindness.
  • His belief that the earth is flat is not supported by scientific evidence.
doctrine

Primarily used in religious, political, or ideological contexts to describe official teachings or policy statements that are accepted as authoritative.

  • The Monroe Doctrine was a significant policy statement by the U.S. in the 19th century.
  • In Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths are fundamental doctrines.

Examples of usage

  • Freedom of speech is a basic tenet of democracy.
  • The tenets of Buddhism include the Four Noble Truths.
  • The scientific tenet of evolution is widely accepted.
  • The tenet of non-violence is central to Gandhi's philosophy.

Translations

Translations of the word "tenet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 princípio

🇮🇳 सिद्धांत

🇩🇪 Grundsatz

🇮🇩 prinsip

🇺🇦 принцип

🇵🇱 zasada

🇯🇵 原則 (gensoku)

🇫🇷 principe

🇪🇸 principio

🇹🇷 ilke

🇰🇷 원칙 (wonchik)

🇸🇦 مبدأ (mabda')

🇨🇿 princip

🇸🇰 princíp

🇨🇳 原则 (yuánzé)

🇸🇮 načelo

🇮🇸 grundvallaratriði

🇰🇿 қағида

🇬🇪 პრინციპი (prinʦip'i)

🇦🇿 prinsip

🇲🇽 principio

Etymology

The word 'tenet' originated from the Latin word 'tenere', which means 'to hold'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Initially used in a religious context, 'tenet' has evolved to encompass any fundamental belief or principle. Over time, it has become a common term in various fields, including philosophy, religion, and politics.

See also: tenets.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,754, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.