tenacious — holding firmly to something; not easily discouraged or giving up
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: holding firmly to something; not easily discouraged or giving up
Pronunciation (IPA): /təˈneɪʃəs/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother is so tenacious that she spent 20 years trying to open a pickle jar.
- The tenacious student asked the same question 47 times until the professor finally answered it properly.
- Her tenacious research efforts finally led to a breakthrough in cancer treatment.
tenacious
ADJECTIVE[/təˈneɪʃəs/]
holding firmly to something; not easily discouraged or giving up

A small, vibrant plant clings with tenacious roots to a craggy, weather-beaten coastal rock face.

Ten people shush, but he won't let go - tenacious!

"Be tenacious, not audacious — steady wins the race that's spacious."
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin tenax meaning 'holding fast' or 'sticky,' derived from tenere meaning 'to hold.' The suffix -ious means 'having the quality of,' forming an adjective.
Breakdown
ten- (hold, from Latin tenere) + -acious (having the quality of being) = tenacious (holding firmly to something)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother is so tenacious that she spent 20 years trying to open a pickle jar.”
“The tenacious student asked the same question 47 times until the professor finally answered it properly.”
“Her tenacious research efforts finally led to a breakthrough in cancer treatment.”
“The tenacious lawyer never gave up on proving his client's innocence.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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