tenuous

Summary

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Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day — “Tenuous” (June 15, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, introduces listeners to the word “tenuous.” The segment explores the word’s definitions, etymology, multiple uses, and provides illustrative examples, aiming to expand the listener’s vocabulary and understanding of nuanced language.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Pronunciation

• Tenuous is presented as an adjective.
• Spelling: T-E-N-U-O-U-S.
• Definition: Something “tenuous” is flimsy, weak, or uncertain. [00:43]

Usage in Context

• Example sentence from The Verge:
  “While more non screen based interactive technology could be an antidote to our screen obsessed society, it’s an extremely tenuous link to more human interaction.” [00:48]

Etymology and Related Words

• The word “tenuous” comes from the Latin adjective tenuis, meaning “fine, drawn, thin, narrow or slight.”
• It is a relative of the word “thin.” [01:07]

Broader Usage and Meanings

• Literal: Can describe actual thinness or rarity, e.g., “a silkworm’s tenuous threads” or “a tenuous fluid” (rare or not dense).
• Figurative: Can describe situations or things that are metaphorically flimsy or weak, such as “a tenuous lead in a game” or “a tenuous connection between two events.” [01:26–01:43]
  • “If one team in a game has a tenuous lead, either team still has a chance at winning.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:34]
  • “If there is only a tenuous connection between two events, those events are likely unrelated.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:38]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Definition and Origins:
  “Lean into the history of tenuous and you’ll find that the word comes to English from the Latin adjective tenuis, meaning fine, drawn, thin, narrow or slight, and is a relative of the word thin.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:07]

• On Usage Variety:
  “Like that more familiar word, tenuous has a wide array of meanings. It can describe a literal thinness, as in a silkworm’s tenuous threads or rarity, the opposite of density, as in a tenuous fluid.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:15]

• On Figurative Meanings:
  “If there is only a tenuous connection between two events, those events are likely unrelated.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:38]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:43] — Introduction of the word “tenuous,” spelling and quick definition.
• [00:48] — Example sentence from The Verge.
• [01:07] — Word origin and connection to “thin.”
• [01:15–01:43] — Different usages: literal and figurative examples with context.

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Tone & Style

Peter Sokolowski’s delivery is clear, educational, and concise, making linguistic concepts approachable for everyday listeners. The language remains engaging and accessible, focusing on practical understanding and memorable explanations.

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Summary

In this episode, Merriam-Webster spotlights the word “tenuous,” clarifying its usage to describe both literally thin items and situations or connections that are weak or uncertain. The explanation is interspersed with relatable examples and intriguing etymology, making it an enriching, easy-to-digest vocabulary lesson.

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign. It's the word of the day for June 15th.

[B]

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[A]

today's word is tenuous, spelled T E N U O U S. Tenuous is an adjective. Something described as tenuous is flimsy, weak or uncertain. Here's the word used in a sentence from the Verge While more non screen based interactive technology could be an antidote to our screen obsessed society, it's an extremely tenuous link to more human interaction. Lean into the history of tenuous and you'll find that the word comes to English from the Latin adjective tenuis, meaning fine, drawn, thin, narrow or slight, and is a relative of the word thin. Like that more familiar word, tenuous has a wide array of meanings. It can describe a literal thinness, as in a silkworm's tenuous threads or rarity, the opposite of density, as in a tenuous fluid. Or it can describe things that are figuratively thin or flimsy. If one team in a game has a tenuous lead, either team still has a chance at winning. If there is only a tenuous connection between two events, those events are likely unrelated. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[C]

Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.