Vocabulary in context
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Tenacious
Not easily pulled apart; holding fast or continuing with determination, whether physically or figuratively.
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Imagine This
A group of ten strong Asian athletes are performing an act. They are holding tightly together so no one from the audience could pull them apart. If a tentacle of an octopus grabs you, it will certainly be difficult to pull apart.
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Sounds Like
tuh-NEY-shuhs
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Looks Like
tentacles
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Remember This
Tenacious describes persistent, determined behavior or bonds that are hard to break. It can refer to a person who refuses to give up or a situation that resists separation.
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Other Forms
Tenacitynoun
Tenaciouslyadverb
Tenaciousnessnoun
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Connect With
persistence, perseverance, doggedness, resoluteness, steadfastness
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Note
Common mistake: confusing tenacious with tenuous. Tenacious means holding fast or persistent; tenuous means weak or poorly supported. Use collocations like tenacious grip, tenacious effort, or tenacious advocate.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- Her tenacious work ethic helped her finish the project on time.
- The detective's tenacity led to solving the case after months of searching.
Synonyms
persistentdetermineddoggedsteadfastrelentless
Antonyms
laxweakirresolute
Etymology
From Latin tenax 'holding fast', from tenere 'to hold'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: TEN ACES gripping a rope — ten aces hold on and refuse to let go.
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Suppress
verbTo forcibly stop an activity or to prevent something from being seen, heard, or known.
Embellish
verbTo decorate or add details to something to make it more attractive; also used to mean exaggerating or embellishing a story.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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