tenacious
Meaning: Holding firmly to something; persistent and determined, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition.
Tenacious describes someone who refuses to give up, even when confronted with significant obstacles. It can apply to people (a tenacious journalist), ideas (a tenacious belief), or physical properties (a tenacious grip). It is almost always positive, implying admirable determination. It collocates with 'grip,' 'defence,' 'pursuit,' 'fighter,' and 'spirit.'
Examples
- The tenacious investigative journalist spent three years uncovering the corruption scandal. 这位锲而不舍的调查记者花了三年时间揭露了这起腐败丑闻。El tenaz periodista de investigación dedicó tres años a destapar el escándalo de corrupción.その粘り強い調査ジャーナリストは、3年をかけてその汚職スキャンダルを暴きました。끈기 있는 탐사 보도 기자는 3년에 걸쳐 그 부패 스캔들을 폭로했습니다.
- Despite trailing by two goals, the team mounted a tenacious comeback in the second half. 尽管落后两球,球队在下半场展开了顽强的反击。A pesar de ir perdiendo por dos goles, el equipo protagonizó una tenaz remontada en la segunda parte.2点のビハインドにもかかわらず、チームは後半に粘り強い反撃を見せました。2골 차로 뒤지고 있었음에도 불구하고, 팀은 후반전에 끈질긴 역전을 펼쳤습니다.
- The tenacious weed had forced its way through a crack in the concrete pavement. 那株顽强的杂草硬是从混凝土路面的裂缝中钻了出来。La tenaz hierba se había abierto paso a través de una grieta en la acera de hormigón.その生命力旺盛な雑草は、コンクリートの舗道のひび割れから押し出るように生えていました。생명력이 강한 잡초가 콘크리트 포장도로의 균열을 뚫고 자라나 있었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin tenax (holding fast, gripping), from tenere (to hold). Entered English in the early 17th century. The noun form 'tenacity' is equally common.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free