English vocabulary · B2
Tenet
/ˈten.ɪt/ · n.
It means a key belief or principle that a group holds and does not change. It is a rule that everyone in the group must follow.
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Example sentences
- Honesty is a central tenet of their business.
- The school's tenet is that every student can learn.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ten — hold (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- PRINCIPLE — a basic rule or truth (A general moral or logical rule)
- BELIEF — a personal or shared idea (Something you think is true)
- DOCTRINE — a formal set of beliefs (An official set of taught rules)
Words with the same root
ten — hold
- contain — to hold something inside
- retain — to keep holding something
- maintain — to keep something going
Lesson notes
Tenet. It means a key belief or principle that a group holds and does not change. It is a rule that everyone in the group must follow.
Similar words are principle, belief, and doctrine. Use tenet when a group holds a core idea that does not change.
Honesty is a central tenet of their business. The school's tenet is that every student can learn.
From Latin. Ten- means hold. A belief you hold tightly and never let go — that is a tenet.