tenacity

[tuh-nas-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality of being tenacious, or of holding fast; persistence.

   the amazing tenacity of rumors.

2. the quality of retaining something.

   the tenacity of memory.

3. the quality or property of holding together firmly.

   testing the tenacity of the old book's binding.

Other Word Forms

• overtenacity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacity¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin tenācitās equivalent to tenāc- (stem of tenāx ) “holding fast,” derivative of tenēre “to hold” + -itās -ity ( def. )

Synonym Study

See perseverance.

Example Sentences

And, in keeping with the region's tenacity, his own career has also been a study in upsetting the odds - he admits to never truly expecting to be playing in the Champions League.

From BBC

"There's a lot of people who don't get here – but I have tenacity. I have resilience, which I'm very grateful for, because no matter how many times I've fallen down, I've bounced up again."

From BBC

She said in a text message she’d bring “that same tenacity, grit and courage” to Sacramento.

From Los Angeles Times

“She is very resourceful,” Dockery agrees of Mary’s tenacity and ability to imagine a new future for Downton, particularly new ways of funding the estate.

From Los Angeles Times

Said Bledsoe: “He’s got real tenacity to get to the quarterback and a quick first step.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chutzpah 
• courage 
• determination 
• firmness www.thesaurus.com
• grit 
• guts www.thesaurus.com
• perseverance 
• persistence 
• spunk 
• steadfastness