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

Together, they constitute what Ukraine lacks to turn the strategic advantage already granted by its tenacity and heroism into victory.

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At the time, the governor said in a statement that “her insight, tenacity, and big heart will be missed.”

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They lacked tenacity without the ball and seemed slow when they were in possession.

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He argued with righteous tenacity that Southerners could be convinced to relinquish their slaves by means of patient “moral suasion.”

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He said, “Where can this company be in years to come? With this extraordinary technology, amazing talents and tenacity, there’s really no limit, but it’s about applying all of those together.”

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Related Words

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