tenable
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “tenable” mean?
adjective.able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing arguments, theories, or positions in academic or philosophical contexts. It emphasizes the strength and validity of an argument, suggesting that it can withstand scrutiny rather than simply being plausible or popular, which distinguishes it from words like "plausible" or "acceptable."
Common Confusions
Tenable implies a strong, defendable position that can withstand critique, while plausible usually suggests a belief or argument that seems reasonable but may lack rigorous support.
Do not choose tenable if the context emphasizes vulnerability or weakness rather than the ability to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Example Sentences
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The evidence made his original position no longer tenable.