tenuous
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “tenuous” mean?
adjective.very weak or slight.
SAT Usage
this term is typically used in contexts involving arguments, relationships, or theories that lack strength or support. It emphasizes a sense of fragility or instability, suggesting that the connection or rationale is not only weak but also potentially unreliable, distinguishing it from similar words like "feeble," which may not convey the same level of uncertainty or risk.
Common Confusions
Tenuous implies a fragile or unreliable connection, while weak usually suggests a lack of strength without necessarily implying instability or risk.
Do not choose tenuous if the context emphasizes strength or solidity rather than very weak or slight.
Example Sentences
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The connection between the two events was tenuous at best.