Tenuous
Adjective
Definition: Very weak or slight; insubstantial.
Definition: Thin or slender in form; lacking substance.
Synonyms: Fragile, Delicate, Flimsy, Weak, Slight
Antonyms: Strong, Solid, Robust
Examples:
- The tenuous thread held the fragile glass ornament.
- The financial support for the project is tenuous at best.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "tennis" without the double 'n' - a tenuous string tension can easily break.
- "Tenuous" sounds similar to "tension", which can be fragile and easily disrupted.
Etymology:
Origin:
Late 16th century from Latin 'tenuis' meaning 'thin, slender'.
Historical Usage:The word has maintained its meaning of being thin or slight throughout its usage history.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Tenuous connection/link"
Explanation:Refers to a weak or fragile association between two things.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Mistaking the word for "tenacious".
Explanation:"Tenuous" and "tenacious" are different words with contrasting meanings. Tenacious means to be persistent, while tenuous means weak or insubstantial.