Tenet definition Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtɛnɪt dɛfɪˈnɪʃən/🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A tenet is a principle, doctrine, or assumption that forms the basis of a theory, system, or philosophy, often considered axiomatic or self-evident.

Examples

1. “The company’s mission statement is built around several key tenets, including innovation and customer satisfaction.”

2. “The new policy is based on the tenet that an individual’s identity is not defined by their appearance.”

Synonyms

1. Postulate

2. Assumption

3. Axiom

Antonyms

1. Hypothesis

2. Theory

Etymology

The word “tenet” has its roots in Latin, where it was spelled “tenere,” meaning “to hold” or “to maintain.” Over time, the word evolved to refer to a principle or doctrine that is held or maintained. The Oxford English Dictionary first recorded the word in 1584.

Usage Notes

The word “tenet” is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe a fundamental principle or assumption underlying a theory, system, or philosophy. It can also be used in more general contexts to highlight the importance or significance of a particular idea or concept.

When using the word “tenet,” it’s essential to consider the audience and context in which it is being used. In some cases, it may be more suitable to use a synonym like “assumption” or “postulate.”

Cultural References

The word “tenet” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “1984” by George Orwell, the totalitarian government operates on several key tenets, including the idea that reality is what the government says it is.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “Live by your principles” – This phrase suggests that one should adhere to their tenets or principles in order to live a virtuous or authentic life.

2. “Without a firm tenet, you’re lost” – This phrase implies that having a clear guiding principle or assumption is crucial for achieving success or making progress.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Dogma – A doctrine or principle that is accepted without question or doubt.

2. Creed – A statement or formula that expresses a person’s faith or belief.

3. Principle – A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the basis for a theory or system.

Collocations

1. Tenet of the philosophy – This phrase suggests that a particular principle or assumption is central to a given philosophical system or framework.

2. Built on a shaky tenet – This phrase implies that an idea or system is based on a foundation that is uncertain or unstable.

Frequency of Use

The word “tenet” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), the word “tenet” appears in about 0.12% of all written texts.

Common Misspellings

1. Tenettt – This is a common misspelling of the word “tenet,” often due to the missing “i” or incorrect vowel placement.

2. Tennt – This misspelling involves an extra “n” or incorrect conjunction of letters.