tenuous
Very weak, slight, or uncertain
Examples
In a meeting
“The evidence supporting that conclusion is tenuous at best.”
Over coffee
“My understanding of quantum physics is pretty tenuous.”
Why this word
weak
tenuous specifically means insubstantial or thin, while weak is general lacking in strength
flimsy
tenuous emphasizes slightness of connection or evidence, while flimsy suggests poor construction
doubtful
tenuous describes the thinness of the link itself, while doubtful expresses skepticism about it
Usage tip
Use to describe weak connections, arguments, or positions. Implies fragility or questionable validity.
Etymology
Latin 'tenuis' (thin, slight, weak), related to 'tendere' (to stretch)
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Related words
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional
tentatively
In a hesitant or uncertain manner, subject to change
apprehensive
Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
conjecture
An opinion or conclusion based on incomplete information
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.