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tenuous

adjective

/ˈtɛnjʊəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of tenuous

Thin, fragile, or having a weak or delicate connection, often implying that it is easily breakable or unstable.
"The judge called the defense’s argument tenuous and ruled in favor of the plaintiff."

Detailed meaning of tenuous

When applied to relationships, arguments, or connections, it signifies that they lack substantial or robust support, making them vulnerable to disruption or dissolution. For example, a tenuous friendship suggests a connection that is not deeply rooted and could easily be severed. In a broader sense, "tenuous" can describe situations, ideas, or circumstances that are uncertain, flimsy, or lacking in solidity, typically implying that they are fragile and prone to change or collapse. This term conveys a sense of fragility and instability, highlighting the precarious nature of the subject being described.

Example sentences containing tenuous

1. The friendship between the two was tenuous at best.
2. The bridge's tenuous structure made it unsafe to cross.
3. The company's financial situation was tenuous due to the pandemic.
4. The evidence for the case was tenuous and circumstantial.
5. The connection between the two ideas was tenuous and hard to follow.
6. The athlete's chances of winning were tenuous after their injury.

History and etymology of tenuous

The adjective 'tenuous' finds its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'tenuis,' which means 'thin' or 'slender.' In English, 'tenuous' is used to describe something that is thin, fragile, or has a weak and delicate connection, often implying that it is easily breakable or unstable. The term emphasizes the fragility and lack of substance, reflecting its historical connection to the concept of thinness or slenderness. When describing a connection or relationship as 'tenuous,' it underscores the idea of something being so delicate that it could easily be severed or disrupted.

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Further usage examples of tenuous

1. The artist's inspiration for the painting was tenuous and hard to describe.
2. The politician's support among their party was tenuous after the scandal.
3. The professor's argument was tenuous and lacked solid evidence.
4. The company's ties with the supplier were tenuous due to the quality issues.
5. The student's understanding of the concept was tenuous and needed further explanation.
6. The plan's success was tenuous and depended on several uncertain factors.
7. The tenuous thread that held the kite aloft in the light breeze seemed ready to snap.
8. Their tenuous and often stormy relationship was strained by constant arguments and misunderstandings.
9. The tenuous suspension bridge across the chasm swayed in the wind, making it a nerve-wracking crossing.
10. His tenuous grasp on reality, plagued by mental health issues, made him prone to vivid hallucinations.
11. The tenuous hope of finding survivors in the disaster's aftermath dwindled with each passing hour and fading light.
12. The project's success depended on a tenuous partnership between two rival companies, hanging by a thread.
13. Her tenuous excuse for being late raised suspicions among her colleagues, who questioned her reliability.
14. The tenuous link between the two seemingly unrelated events was challenging to prove, leaving investigators puzzled.
15. His tenuous connection to the secretive organization made him feel like an outsider, always on the fringes.
16. The tenuous trust between the warring factions in the region quickly eroded as old grievances resurfaced.
17. The tenuous balance of power in the volatile region was easily disrupted by the slightest provocation.
18. The tenuous understanding of the complex subject matter left many students confused and struggling.
19. The tenuous promise of future prosperity failed to convince investors, who sought more concrete guarantees.
20. The tenuous bond between them, forged through shared experiences and hardships, grew stronger over time.
21. Her tenuous grip on the slippery rock face was her only lifeline as she climbed the treacherous cliff.
22. The tenuous link between the symptoms and the rare disease puzzled doctors, who needed more data for a diagnosis.
23. Their tenuous truce held, but tensions remained high, and any incident could spark renewed conflict.
24. The tenuous nature of their friendship became evident in times of need when few offered support.
25. The tenuous connection between the scattered pieces of evidence raised doubts about the suspect's guilt.
26. His tenuous position within the company, marked by uncertainty and reorganizations, made him vulnerable to layoffs.