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Tenacious

tuh-NAY-shus /təˈneɪʃəs/

adjectiveB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

neutralformal

Holding fast; persistent, determined, and adhering firmly to a purpose, principle, or grip.

Almost always carries a strongly positive or admiring connotation of grit, courage, and perseverance.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'tenax', an adjective describing anything sticky, clinging, or firm. In ancient times, it was used to describe ivy clinging to brick walls, strong glue, or a warrior refusing to retreat.

Word relationships

persistent: 'Persistent' implies continuing over time, whereas 'tenacious' adds a sense of powerful grip and toughness.
dogged: 'Dogged' emphasizes grim, steady effort, while 'tenacious' highlights holding fast onto a target.

irresolute: Irresolute implies hesitation and lack of firm purpose.
yielding: Yielding means giving up easily under pressure.

Commonly confused with

Pertinacious: Tenacious is admireably persistent; pertinacious can border on annoying, persistent insistence.

Word family

tenacity (noun): the quality of holding fast; persistence and determination
tenaciously (adverb): in a tenacious, persistent manner

Collocations

tenacious grip
tenacious defender
tenacious pursuit
tenacious memory

Idioms & expressions

hang in there
never say die

Example sentences

"Through tenacious reporting and relentless interviews, the journalist uncovered the truth behind the scandal." Investigative Journalism
"Her tenacious hold on life amazed the doctors who had given her only weeks to live." Historical Biography

Memory hook

TEN-ACIOUS: Ten men couldn't break his grip because he was so tenacious! Holding on with the strength of ten.

When not to use

Avoid using when you want to criticize someone for being irrationally foolish; use 'pigheaded' or 'mulish' instead.

Fun facts

In physics, 'tenacity' refers to the ultimate tensile strength of a material—how much stretching it can endure before breaking.