Tenuously: meaning, definitions and examples

🌱
Add to dictionary

tenuously

 

[ ˈtɛnjʊəsli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in a fragile or delicate manner

Tenuously means in a fragile or delicate manner. It implies a lack of stability or firmness and suggests something that is barely held together. It is often used to describe a weak or uncertain connection or relationship.

Synonyms

delicately, fragile, precariously

Examples of usage

  • The agreement between the two parties was tenuously held together by a thin thread of trust.
  • She tenuously balanced the delicate vase on the edge of the table.
  • The fragile bridge was tenuously supported by old ropes and wooden planks.
Context #2 | Adjective

weak, flimsy, or not solidly grounded

Tenuously as an adjective means weak, flimsy, or not solidly grounded. It describes something that lacks strength, stability, or a strong foundation. It can also refer to an argument or reasoning that is poorly supported.

Synonyms

flimsy, unstable, weak

Examples of usage

  • The tenuous relationship between the two countries could easily break under pressure.
  • His tenuous excuse for being late did not convince anyone.
  • The tenuous structure of the old building made it unsafe to enter.

Translations

Translations of the word "tenuously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tenuamente

🇮🇳 अत्यंत पतले ढंग से

🇩🇪 schwach

🇮🇩 dengan lemah

🇺🇦 слабко

🇵🇱 słabo

🇯🇵 かろうじて

🇫🇷 faiblement

🇪🇸 débilmente

🇹🇷 zayıfça

🇰🇷 약하게

🇸🇦 بضعف

🇨🇿 slabě

🇸🇰 slabo

🇨🇳 微弱地

🇸🇮 šibko

🇮🇸 veiklega

🇰🇿 әлсіз

🇬🇪 სუსტად

🇦🇿 zəifcə

🇲🇽 débilmente

Etymology

The word 'tenuously' originates from the Latin word 'tenuis' meaning thin or slender. Over time, it evolved to describe something delicate or weak. The adverb form 'tenuously' came into use to emphasize the fragile or uncertain nature of something. It has been commonly used in English language to convey the idea of something held together by a thin thread or lacking firmness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,372, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.