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View synonyms for tenacious

tenacious

[ tuh-ney-shuhs ]

adjective

  1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed by of ):

    a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.

  2. highly retentive:

    a tenacious memory.

  3. persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.

    Synonyms: obstinate, persistent, pertinacious, dogged

  4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.

    Synonyms: clingy

  5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.


tenacious

/ tɪˈneɪʃəs; tɪˈnæsɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. holding or grasping firmly; forceful

    a tenacious grip

  2. retentive

    a tenacious memory

  3. stubborn or persistent

    a tenacious character

  4. holding together firmly; tough or cohesive

    tenacious cement

  5. tending to stick or adhere

    tenacious mud

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • teˈnaciously, adverb
  • teˈnaciousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • te·na·cious·ly adverb
  • te·na·cious·ness noun
  • o·ver·te·na·cious adjective
  • o·ver·te·na·cious·ness noun
  • un·te·na·cious adjective
  • un·te·na·cious·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious1

First recorded in 1600–10; tenaci(ty) + -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious1

C16: from Latin tenāx, from tenēre to hold
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Example Sentences

His fate was revealed thanks to a tenacious social worker who discovered videos of him while investigating other matters.

From BBC

That takes nothing away from a spirited and tenacious performance by an England side that had to be re-jigged following the injury to wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.

From BBC

Brilliant in possession, tenacious without the ball too and would restore some balance to the City midfield.

From BBC

Bellamy has also instilled an exciting new style of play - bold and creative on the ball, tenacious and relentless out of possession.

From BBC

Miraculously, scientists have now discovered that the tenacious penguins found a way to beat the colossal iceberg - satellite pictures seen exclusively by BBC News this week show life in the colony.

From BBC

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