tenacious etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: tenax, tenacis ("holding fast, grasping")
• Proto-Indo-European: *ten- ("to stretch")

Meaning:

• Characterized by determination, persistence, and resilience; stubbornly holding onto something.
• Adhesive or clingy.
• Having elastic or resistant qualities.

Origin:

The word "tenacious" comes from the Latin adjective "tenax," which means "holding fast" or "grasping." It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ten-" ("to stretch"), which is also related to the English words "tendril" and "tense."

The term was first used in the early 16th century to describe the physical quality of something that holds onto or clings to something else. By the 17th century, it had been extended to refer to the mental quality of persistence and determination, especially in the face of adversity.

Examples:

• The climber's tenacious grip allowed him to ascend the sheer rock face.
• The child showed a tenacious spirit in pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor.
• The adhesive's tenacity ensured that the poster remained firmly attached to the wall.

tenacious relate terms

• tenacity

  Etymology Old French tence adjectival noun meaning tenacity Latin tenacitas tigh

• tenet

  Etymology Latin teneō meaning to hold keep or possess Meaning A principle

• tend

  Etymology The word tend comes from the Middle English word tenden which in turn com

• pertinacity

  Etymology Latin pertinax pertinacis obstinate stubborn Proto Italic _per tenakwi

• tenacious

  Etymology Latin tenax tenacis holding fast grasping Proto Indo European ten

• retentive

  Etymology Latin retentivus retentive From retinere to hold back retain Proto In

• long

  Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

• cement

  Etymology The word cement comes from the Latin word caementum which refers to broken

• lutose

  Etymology French luteuse meaning muddy or swampy Meaning A nickname for th

• pitch

  Etymology and Origin The word pitch has multiple etymological origins Latin pix

• tough

  Etymology Middle English togh tugh Old English tōh Meaning Firm inflexible o

• stiff

  Etymology Middle English stif stive styf from Old English stif stiff rigid dif

• deliver

  Etymology Latin deferre to bear away bring down Proto Indo European dʰer to

• hygiene

  Etymology The word hygiene originates from the Ancient Greek word hygieinos which me