tenet
Meaning: A principle or belief, especially one that forms part of a broader system of thought, doctrine, or philosophy.
Tenet refers to a core belief within a wider framework — religious, political, philosophical, or professional. It implies something held firmly and treated as foundational rather than negotiable. The word is typically used in the plural: 'the tenets of liberalism,' 'the central tenets of the faith.' It is more formal and elevated than 'principle' or 'belief' and is common in academic, legal, and theological writing. Common collocations include 'basic tenets,' 'central tenet,' 'fundamental tenets,' and 'tenets of.'
Examples
- Freedom of expression is one of the central tenets of liberal democracy. 言论自由是自由民主制度的核心信条之一。La libertad de expresión es uno de los principios centrales de la democracia liberal.表現の自由は自由民主主義の中心的信条の一つである。표현의 자유는 자유민주주의의 핵심 신조 중 하나이다.
- The ruling appeared to contradict the basic tenets of international humanitarian law. 该裁决似乎与国际人道主义法的基本原则相矛盾。La sentencia parecía contradecir los principios básicos del derecho internacional humanitario.その判決は国際人道法の基本原則と矛盾するように思われた。그 판결은 국제 인도법의 기본 원칙과 모순되는 것으로 보였다.
- His research challenged several long-held tenets of evolutionary biology. 他的研究对进化生物学中若干长期持有的信条提出了挑战。Su investigación cuestionó varios principios largamente aceptados de la biología evolutiva.彼の研究は進化生物学で長らく信じられてきたいくつかの信条に異議を唱えた。그의 연구는 진화생물학에서 오랫동안 신봉되어 온 여러 신조에 이의를 제기했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, political, philosophical
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin tenet (he/she holds), the third person singular present tense of tenēre (to hold, keep, maintain). Entered English in the late 16th century, retaining its Latin form.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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