Tenable for Dummies

Tenable is a word that can be a little tricky to understand at first, but don't worry, I'll make it super easy for you! When we say something is "tenable," we mean that it is logical or reasonable. It's like when you explain your answer in a math problem, and the teacher says, "That explanation is so tenable, it really makes sense!"

Let me simplify it further with an example: Imagine you and your friends are deciding on a game to play during recess. One friend suggests playing basketball, but another friend disagrees because they don't have a basketball or a hoop. The first friend's idea of playing basketball is not tenable because not everyone has the necessary equipment to join in. In this situation, it means that the suggestion doesn't make logical or reasonable sense because not everyone can participate.

But guess what? "Tenable" can also have another meaning! Sometimes, when people use this word, they are talking about how long something can be defended or supported. It's like building a sturdy fortress that can withstand attacks. So, in a way, "tenable" can also mean something that can be held or supported strongly without falling apart.

Let's imagine that you have built a fantastic sandcastle at the beach. You want it to be tenable, so you make sure to build it with a strong base and reinforce it with rocks and shells. It becomes a sandcastle that can endure the waves and remain standing, even when the tide comes in. So, in this case, "tenable" means that the sandcastle can resist being knocked down or destroyed easily.

Now that we've explored both definitions of "tenable," I'm really excited because you now have a deeper understanding of this word. You can confidently use it to describe something that makes logical sense or something that can withstand challenges and remain strong. Great job!