adjective
tenacious
tuh-NAY-shuhs
adjective
1
Refusing to give up or let go, even when things get difficult.
"Her tenacious pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond."
"The team showed a tenacious defence in the final minutes of the match."
2
Sticking firmly to a surface; not easily removed.
"The mud left a tenacious stain on the carpet."
How to Use Tenacious
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHolding on stubbornly and refusing to let go, whether that's an idea, a goal, or a physical grip.
Common pairings
tenacious defence
tenacious grip
a tenacious fighter
Word Forms
more tenacious comparative, most tenacious superlative
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Her _____ pursuit of the story eventually forced the company to respond.
Etymology
From Latin tenax ("holding fast, clinging"), from tenere ("to hold").