tenuous Definition
- 1very weak or slight
- 2flimsy; not substantial
Using tenuous: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tenuous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The evidence for his argument was tenuous at best.
Example
Their relationship is based on a tenuous understanding.
Example
The company's financial situation is tenuous.
Example
The bridge was built on a tenuous foundation.
tenuous Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with tenuous
tenuous link/connection/relationship
a weak or fragile connection or relationship between two things or people
Example
There is only a tenuous link between the two events.
tenuous grasp/understanding/knowledge
a weak or limited understanding or knowledge of something
Example
He has only a tenuous grasp of the subject matter.
tenuous hope/chance/possibility
a very slim or unlikely hope, chance, or possibility
Example
There is a tenuous hope that the missing hikers will be found alive.
Origins of tenuous
from Latin 'tenuis', meaning 'thin'
Summary: tenuous in Brief
'Tenuous' [ˈtenjuəs] describes something that is very weak or slight, often flimsy or insubstantial. It can refer to relationships, arguments, evidence, or foundations, as in 'Their relationship is based on a tenuous understanding.' The phrase 'tenuous link/connection/relationship' denotes a weak or fragile connection, while 'tenuous grasp/understanding/knowledge' implies a weak or limited understanding. 'Tenuous hope/chance/possibility' refers to a very slim or unlikely hope, chance, or possibility.
