Basic Details
Word: Tenable
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Able to be defended or justified; reasonable or valid.
Synonyms: Defensible, justifiable, sustainable
Antonyms: Indefensible, untenable, unjustifiable
Idioms and Phrases
- On shaky ground: Refers to an idea or argument that is weak or not strongly supported. Example: "His reasoning for skipping class was on shaky ground, and he struggled to explain it."
- Hold water: Means that an argument or idea is sound and can be defended. Example: "Her explanation for being late held water, as she had a good reason."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The scientist presented a tenable theory that explained the unusual weather patterns.
Example 2: After reviewing his points, the teacher agreed that his argument was tenable.
Example 3: She found it hard to believe that the company's practices were legally tenable in today's market.
Fun Fact
The word "tenable" comes from the Old French word "tenable," which means "to hold." It has been used in English since the late 15th century, indicating the ability to hold a position or argument.
Famous Quote
"If you cant make it tenable, youre only making it frangible." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tenable" mean?
a) Weak and easily broken
b) Able to be defended or justified
c) Outdated and obsolete
d) Uninteresting
Answer: b) Able to be defended or justified
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tenable"?
a) Untenable
b) Defensible
c) Nonexistent
d) Invisible
Answer: b) Defensible
3. What is the antonym of "tenable"?
a) Defensible
b) Sustainable
c) Indefensible
d) Justifiable
Answer: c) Indefensible
4. Which sentence uses "tenable" correctly?
a) His plan was not tenable, and it fell apart quickly.
b) This chair is tenable for us to sit.
c) She made a tenable cake for the party.
d) The dog was tenable in the park with its friends.
Answer: a) His plan was not tenable, and it fell apart quickly.
5. Which idiom means an argument can be defended?
a) On shaky ground
b) Hold water
c) Burning the candle at both ends
d) A piece of cake
Answer: b) Hold water
