untenable

Summary

Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Untenable"
Released on January 10, 2025

---

Introduction

In the January 10th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intricacies of the word "untenable." Aimed at enhancing listeners' vocabulary, the episode not only defines the term but also explores its usage, etymology, and related concepts, providing a comprehensive understanding for both language enthusiasts and casual learners.

---

Definition of "Untenable"

At the 00:41 mark, Peter introduces "untenable" as an adjective, explaining:

[00:41] Peter Sokolowski: "Something such as a position, excuse, or situation that is described as untenable cannot be defended against attack or criticism."

This definition sets the stage for a deeper exploration of scenarios where a stance or argument lacks sufficient justification or resilience against opposition.

---

Usage in Context

To illustrate the practical application of "untenable," Peter cites a pertinent example from contemporary discourse:

[01:00] Peter Sokolowski: "According to the Economist, the disparity between investor enthusiasm about AI and reality might be untenable. They report that only 5% of U.S. businesses say they use AI in their products and services, and few AI startups are turning a profit. Most notably, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, expects to lose around $5 billion this year because of huge outflows for employee salaries and the massive energy costs associated with running large language models."

This example emphasizes the precarious position AI startups find themselves in, highlighting the unsustainable financial models that question the long-term viability of such ventures.

---

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

Peter further enriches the understanding of "untenable" by tracing its linguistic origins:

[01:30] Peter Sokolowski: "The word untenable and its opposite, tenable, come to us from the old French verb tenire, meaning to hold or have possession of, and ultimately from the Latin verb tenere, meaning to hold, occupy, or possess."

This etymological background connects "untenable" to a family of words centered around the concept of holding or possessing, providing a foundation for comprehending its nuanced meaning.

---

Related Words and Associations

To reinforce the meaning of "untenable," Peter associates it with other derivatives of the Latin root tenere:

[01:45] Peter Sokolowski: "We tend to use untenable in situations where an idea or position is so off base that holding onto it is unjustified or inexcusable. One way to hold onto the meaning of untenable is to associate it with other tenere descendants whose meanings are associated with holding or holding onto. Tenacious, meaning holding fast, is one example. Others are contain, detain, sustain, maintain, and retain."

Additionally, he notes a connection for Spanish speakers:

[01:55] Peter Sokolowski: "Spanish speakers may also recognize tenere as a predecessor of the commonplace verb tener, which retains the meaning of to hold or possess."

These associations not only aid in memorizing the word but also in understanding its application across different contexts and languages.

---

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter reinforces the day's learning objective:

[02:35] Peter Sokolowski: "With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."

Listeners are encouraged to incorporate "untenable" into their vocabulary, enhancing their ability to articulate and critique situations more effectively.

---

Additional Resources

For those eager to expand their vocabulary further, Peter directs listeners to Merriam-Webster's online platform:

[02:40] Peter Sokolowski: "Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."

This resource offers a wealth of information for continuous learning and engagement with the English language.

---

Key Takeaways:

• "Untenable" describes a position or situation that cannot be defended or justified.
• The word has Latin roots (tenere) related to holding or possessing.
• Understanding related words like tenacious and retain can aid in grasping its meaning.
• Practical examples illustrate the application of "untenable" in real-world contexts.

This episode serves as a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their linguistic skills and deepen their understanding of nuanced vocabulary.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

It'S the Word of the day podcast for January 10th and now a.

[C]

Next level moment from ATT Business. Say you've sent out a gigantic shipment of pillows and they need to be there in time for International Sleep day. You've got AT and T5G so you're fully confident, but the vendor isn't responding and International Sleep Day is tomorrow. Luckily, AT&T5G lets you deal with any issues with ease, so the pillows will get delivered and everyone can sleep soundly, especially you. AT&T 5G requires a compatible plan and device. 5G is not available everywhere. See att.com 5G for you for details.

[B]

Today's word is untenable Spelled U n T E N a B L E Untenable is an adjective. Something such as a position, excuse, or situation that is described as untenable cannot be defended against attack or criticism. Here's the word used in a sentence from Will I be fung in the Motley Fool? According to the Economist, the disparity between investor enthusiasm about AI and reality might be untenable. They report that only 5% of U.S. businesses say they use AI in their products and services, and few AI startups are turning a profit. Most notably, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, expects to lose around $5 billion this year because of huge outflows for employee salaries and the massive energy costs associated with running large language models. The word untenable and its opposite, tenable, come to us from the old French verb tenire, meaning to hold or have possession of, and ultimately from the Latin verb tenere, meaning to hold, occupy, or possess. We tend to use untenable in situations where an idea or position is so off base that holding onto it is unjustified or inexcusable. One way to hold onto the meaning of untenable is to associate it with other tenere descendants whose meanings are associated with holding or holding onto. Tenacious, meaning holding fast, is one example. Others are contain, detain, sustain, maintain, and retain. Spanish speakers may also recognize tenere as a predecessor of the commonplace verb tener, which retains the meaning of to hold or possess. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[C]

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