WordValetenacious
holding firmly to a purpose; persistent
persistent and determined
In more detail
1. (adjective) holding firmly to something; not letting go easily
2. (adjective) determined and persistent in doing something; not giving up
Examples
- 1. The dog had a tenacious grip on the toy and would not drop it.
- 2. Her tenacious effort to learn the language finally paid off after years of study.
How to use tenacious
Tenacious describes both physical grip and metaphorical persistence, carrying a positive connotation of admirable strength and resolve. It is more formal and emphatic than persistent, suggesting not just continuity but an almost stubborn refusal to let go or give up. Use it when you want to praise someone's unwavering commitment or describe something that clings firmly.
Common phrases
- tenacious grip
- tenacious hold
- tenacious determination
- tenacious effort
- tenacious belief
- tenacious competitor
Synonyms
persistent · determined · stubborn · resolute · unwavering
Opposites
yielding · irresolute · weak-willed
Word family
tenaciously (adverb) · tenacity (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use tenacious to mean simply 'sticky' or 'adhesive' in a purely physical sense without the element of determined effort or resistance, though the word does encompass literal gripping.
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