Tenet: meaning, definitions and examples

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tenet

 

[ˈtɛnɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

movie

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tenet', meaning 'he holds', signifying concepts held firmly.
  • It's related to the Latin 'tenere', which means 'to hold', emphasizing the idea of holding a belief strongly.
  • Tying back to philosophy, 'tenet' has roots in how ideas have been held through eras of thought.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, a tenet represents core beliefs central to a particular worldview or ethical system.
  • Famous thinkers like Aristotle and Kant established various tenets that influenced modern moral philosophy.
  • Different philosophical schools may adopt conflicting tenets, showcasing diverse approaches to ethics and existence.

Religious Context

  • Many religions have foundational tenets guiding followers' beliefs and practices, such as the Ten Commandments in Christianity.
  • Buddhism has key tenets like the Four Noble Truths, which encapsulate its core teachings on suffering and enlightenment.
  • In Islam, the Five Pillars serve as essential tenets that guide the lives of Muslims around the world.

Pop Culture

  • The word gained popularity with the 2020 film 'Tenet', which revolves around complex themes of time and reality.
  • Various political and activist movements often rally around tenets that reflect their core beliefs and goals.
  • In literature, characters may adhere to personal tenets that drive their decisions, highlighting moral dilemmas.

Psychology

  • Believing in certain tenets can greatly influence individual behavior and decision-making processes.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when personal beliefs conflict with a tenet, causing emotional discomfort.
  • Social psychology studies how shared tenets within a group can lead to stronger cohesion and group identity.

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

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.