Definition of tenable

The word "tenable" originated from the Old French word "tenir" meaning "to hold" or "to keep." This root can be traced back to the Latin word "tenere," which had a similar meaning. In its earliest use, "tenable" referred to something that could be held or defended, particularly in a military context. It was commonly used to describe a fortified position that was difficult to attack and could be successfully defended. Over time, the meaning of "tenable" broadened to include more abstract concepts related to logical, rational, or defensible thought or argument. It came to mean that an idea or position was logical, rational, or persuasive and could be defended or sustained. Today, the word is used in a wide range of contexts, including business, finance, law, and academia, to describe anything that is sustainable, viable, or defensible over time. Its original military context, however, has not been entirely lost, as it is still sometimes used to describe a situation or position that can be successfully defended or held.