tenable

UK: ˈtɛnəb(ə)l | US: ˈtɛnəb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. capable of being maintained or defended against objection

  2. adj. capable of being held, occupied, or retained

Structure
ten <hold>able <capable of>
Etymology

tenable = ten<hold> + able<capable of>

  • ten (from Latin tenēre, meaning "to hold")
  • able (suffix from Latin -abilis, indicating capacity or ability)

Etymology Origin:
The word tenable originates from the Latin tenēre ("to hold") combined with the suffix -able, which denotes capability. It entered Middle French as tenable (meaning "capable of being held") and was later adopted into English in the early 15th century. The term originally described physical holdings (e.g., land or positions) but evolved to include abstract concepts like arguments or theories that can be logically "held" or defended.

Examples

  1. His theory is no longer tenable in light of new evidence.

  2. The fortress was tenable for only a few weeks under siege.

  3. The professor’s argument was tenable but required further proof.

  4. Without proper funding, the project’s timeline is not tenable.

  5. The lease agreement ensures the property remains tenable for five years.