Your Smart Vocabulary Companion

Etymology

From Latin "tenax" (genitive "tenacis") meaning "holding fast, gripping," from "tenere" meaning "to hold." Entered English in the 1600s. Related to "tenant," "tenure," and "retain."

Usage Examples

1. "Her tenacious determination to learn coding led to a successful career change at age 45."

2. "The detective's tenacious investigation finally uncovered the truth after five years."

3. "Barnacles are remarkably tenacious creatures, clinging to rocks despite powerful waves."

Synonyms

• Persistent
• Determined
• Resolute
• Dogged
• Steadfast

Antonyms

• Yielding
• Weak
• Irresolute
• Fickle
• Surrendering

Fun Facts

• The famous line "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse" from The Godfather exemplifies tenacious negotiation.
• Honey badgers are called "the most tenacious animals in the world" by Guinness World Records for their fearless persistence.
• Studies show tenacity is a better predictor of success than talent or intelligence alone.

Word Family

• Tenacity (noun): The quality of being tenacious
• Tenaciously (adverb): In a tenacious manner
• Tenable (adjective): From the same root - able to be held or defended