tenet
A core principle or belief that guides behavior or policy
Examples
In a meeting
“Transparency is a key tenet of our organizational culture.”
Over coffee
“Honesty has always been a tenet of how I approach friendships.”
Why this word
belief
Tenet refers to a fundamental principle held by a group or system, while belief is any individual conviction
principle
Tenet specifically denotes a doctrine or dogma held as true by an organization or philosophy, while principle is broader moral or logical foundation
idea
Tenet is a formal, established doctrine or position, while idea is any thought or notion without institutional weight
Usage tip
Use for foundational beliefs or principles, especially in organizational or philosophical contexts. Stronger than 'rule' but less rigid than 'law.'
Etymology
Latin 'tenere' (to hold), originally meaning 'he holds' in reference to doctrine
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
doctrine
A set of beliefs or principles taught as authoritative knowledge
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
comprehension
The ability to understand the meaning or importance of something
incubate
Develop ideas or projects gradually through nurturing conditions
conceive
Form or devise an original idea or plan
prototype
Create an early working model to test concepts