tenable

/ˈtenəbl/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɛnəbəl] /ˈtenəbl/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɛnəbəl] /ˈte-nə-bəl How to pronounce tenable (audio)/ (ame, mw)

tenable — adjective

  • tenablepositive
  • more tenablecomparative
  • most tenablesuperlative

1. describing an idea, decision, explanation, or position that still has enough evi

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing an idea, decision, explanation, or position that still has enough evidence or support behind it to withstand criticism and remain acceptable.

例句

After new emails appeared, the manager's excuse was no longer tenable.

pattern: no longer tenable

The board argued its decision was still tenable after the complaints.

同義詞
  • defensible

    the closest match; often used when a claim or decision can be protected with reasons

  • justifiable

    stresses moral, legal, or practical reasons for saying something is acceptable

  • supportable

    more directly about whether facts or arguments are strong enough to back the position

反義詞
  • indefensible

    cannot be protected against criticism because the reasons are too weak

  • untenable

    formal direct opposite; no longer able to stand up to challenge

文法句型

[be] + tenable

tenable + noun

no longer + tenable

用法筆記

Often used with abstract nouns such as argument, claim, theory, or policy. It suggests not just that something exists, but that it can still be defended when people question it.

常見錯誤

❌Her excuse was still possible after the video appeared.
✅Her excuse was still tenable after the video appeared.
💡'possible' only says something can happen; 'tenable' says the excuse can still be defended.
❌The policy is sustainable after the court ruling.
✅The policy is still tenable after the court ruling.
💡'sustainable' focuses on lasting over time or using resources wisely, while 'tenable' focuses on whether the policy can still be justified.