Pronunciation: /ˈtɛnjuəs/

Definitions of tenuous

adjective Tenuous is an adjective that describes something very weak or slight, delicate, or flimsy.

Example Sentences

A1 The rope holding up the swing was tenuous, so the children were cautious.

A2 The connection between the two ideas in the essay was tenuous at best.

B1 The relationship between the two countries is tenuous due to historical conflicts.

B2 The evidence linking the suspect to the crime was tenuous and inconclusive.

C1 The tenuous nature of the agreement made it difficult to trust its long-term viability.

C2 The artist's tenuous grasp on reality was evident in his abstract paintings.

Examples of tenuous in a Sentence

formal The connection between the two variables is tenuous at best.

informal Their relationship is pretty tenuous right now.

slang The chances of winning the lottery are tenuous, but hey, you never know!

figurative The fragile peace agreement was tenuous, hanging by a thread.

Grammatical Forms of tenuous

past tense

tenuously

plural

tenuousnesses

comparative

more tenuous

superlative

most tenuous

present tense

tenuously

future tense

will be tenuous

perfect tense

has been tenuous

continuous tense

is being tenuous

singular

tenuous

positive degree

tenuous

infinitive

to tenuate

gerund

tenuating

participle

tenuated

Origin and Evolution of tenuous

First Known Use: 1597 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'tenuous' originated from the Latin word 'tenuis' meaning 'thin' or 'slender'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'tenuous' has evolved to also represent something weak or insubstantial, in addition to its original meaning of being thin or slender.