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Definition of tenet

tenet

/ˈtɛn.ɪt/
ten · et
Plural:tenets
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tenet Lexical Profile

tenet Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true, especially one held in common by members of an organization, movement, religion, or profession.

Example

"Nonviolence was a central tenet of the civil rights leader's philosophy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with the near-homophone 'tenant' (a person who rents or occupies property), 'tenet' refers strictly to a fundamental principle or belief.

• Rhymes for tenet

• Nearby Words

tendon
tendril
tenement
tenet
tenfold
tenner
tennessean

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 15th century from Latin 'tenet' ('he, she, or it holds'), the third-person singular present indicative of 'tenere' ('to hold'), which was used in medieval scholasticism to introduce a statement of doctrine.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tenet. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tenet
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