tenable
/ˈtɛn.ə.bəl/
Group 12Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection GRE
Example in Context
The prosecutor's theory, once considered tenable, collapsed entirely when new forensic evidence contradicted its central premise.
Synonyms
defensiblereasonablesound
Etymology
Means 'able to be held', indicating something that can be defended.
- tenere (Latin) — to hold
Memory Aid
💪Sounds like “ten able”
Imagine TEN STRONG GUYS able to hold up a giant sign that says 'This argument is TENABLE!'
Visual Association
🛡️A fortress standing strong against a siege, symbolizing an argument that stands firm.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “tenable” mean on the GRE?
tenable (adjective) means “Able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection”. The prosecutor's theory, once considered tenable, collapsed entirely when new forensic evidence contradicted its central premise.
How to remember “tenable” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “tenable” sounds like “ten able”. Imagine TEN STRONG GUYS able to hold up a giant sign that says 'This argument is TENABLE!'
What are synonyms for “tenable”?
Common synonyms: defensible, reasonable, sound.