tenuous
UK: ˈten.ju.əs | US: ˈten.ju.əs
adj. lacking substance or strength; flimsy
adj. very thin in form or consistency
adj. of slight importance or significance
The word "tenuous" originates from the Latin tenuis, meaning "thin" or "slender," combined with the English suffix -ous, which forms adjectives. The Latin root tenuis also gives rise to words like "attenuate" (to make thin) and "extenuate" (to lessen severity). Over time, "tenuous" evolved to describe not just physical thinness but also abstract weakness or insignificance, reflecting its metaphorical extension from tangible to intangible qualities.
The scientist presented a tenuous hypothesis that lacked solid evidence.
The spider's web was so tenuous that it broke at the slightest touch.
Their relationship was held together by a tenuous thread of trust.
The politician's argument was tenuous and failed to convince the audience.
A tenuous connection between the two events was suggested but never proven.