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Tenet holds a centuries-long tenure in the English language, but its hometown is Latin. In that language, tenet is a form of the verb tenēre ("to hold") and means "s/he holds." Tenet was borrowed into English around 1600, probably because of use of the word in Latin writings to introduce text giving a principle or doctrine held by a person or group, such as a particular church or sect. The word’s English use today seems clearly linked: "a principle, belief, or doctrine generally held to be true, and especially one held in common by members of an organization, movement, or profession." Note that the similar-sounding word tenant is also from tenēre; it arrived in the 1300s and typically refers today to someone who rents or leases a house, apartment, etc., from a landlord. (Be careful not to use tenant where you want tenet.) Tenure is a tenēre descendant too.
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Tenets vs. Tenants
Thanks to its confusingly similar pronunciation, tenant (“occupant, land-holder”) is sometimes erroneously used in place of tenet (“principle, doctrine”). Consider this example:
One of the ancient tenants of the Buddist [sic] belief is, “He who sits still, wins” –Police, January/February 1968
You will probably never make the opposite mistake (that is, substitute tenet for tenant), but if you think you might, remember that tenant and occupant both end in -ant.
Examples of tenet in a Sentence
Jeff Maggs, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Vance Joseph has preached the same tenet for half the calendar now, even after one of the best years of his professional life.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
Of course, this wonderful technological advancement is unnecessary if visitors simply follow the tenets urged by Costa Rica Tourism: Respect wildlife habitat, leave it undisturbed, and carry it in your heart, not your hands.
—Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR Media, 16 July 2025
And since Trump’s takeover of the Republican Party, its core tenet of fiscal conservatism has been set aside.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenet
Cite this Entry
“Tenet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenet. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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tenet
noun
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