tenacious
Holding on and refusing to give up.
tenacious in a sentence
- The tenacious puppy would not let go of the rope, no matter how hard we pulled.
- Tenacious to the very end, the runner refused to give up even on the steepest hill.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to tenacious?
- Awavering
- Bhalf-hearted
- Cdetermined
Show the answer
C: determined. The other three mean the opposite of tenacious.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to tenacious?
- Adetermined
- Bstubborn
- Chalf-hearted
- Dgritty
Show the answer
C: half-hearted. The other three mean nearly the same as tenacious.
Words that mean something similar
determined, stubborn, gritty
Words that mean the opposite
half-hearted, wavering
More words about character & personality
- tentative: Careful and unsure, as if not quite confident yet.
- testy: Quick to become cross and impatient, especially when bothered.
- thrifty: Careful with money and never wasteful.
- timid: Shy and easily frightened.
- typical: Happening or behaving in the way you would expect.
- tyrant: A ruler who uses power in a cruel and unfair way.
- undaunted: Not frightened or discouraged, even when things are difficult.
- unwavering: Staying steady and never doubting or giving up.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test