tenuous
/ˈtɛn.ju.əs/
Group 30Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Very weak or slight; very slender or fine; insubstantial GRE
Example in Context
The connection between the two events was tenuous at best, and the author's attempt to draw a causal link was unconvincing.
Synonyms
weakflimsythin
Etymology
Thinness or weakness leading to fragility.
- tenuis (Latin) — thin
Memory Aid
🪢Sounds like “tenuous”
Imagine a TINY, TENUOUS rope holding up a massive elephant, wobbling dangerously!
Visual Association
⚖️A thin thread connecting two cliffs, with a person nervously balancing on it.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “tenuous” mean on the GRE?
tenuous (adjective) means “Very weak or slight; very slender or fine; insubstantial”. The connection between the two events was tenuous at best, and the author's attempt to draw a causal link was unconvincing.
How to remember “tenuous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “tenuous” sounds like “tenuous”. Imagine a TINY, TENUOUS rope holding up a massive elephant, wobbling dangerously!
What are synonyms for “tenuous”?
Common synonyms: weak, flimsy, thin.