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.