Tenuity

Tenuity refers to the state or quality of being thin, slender, or lacking in substance or density. It can describe physical thinness, as in a thread or a vapor, but also, more broadly, a lack of richness, complexity, or robustness in concepts, relationships, or arguments. The term suggests a fragility or insubstantiality, implying a vulnerability to disruption or collapse. In essence, it captures the degree to which something is rarefied, attenuated, or lacks a substantial presence, whether tangible or abstract. This can be a physical property, but more often is used figuratively to describe something that lacks depth or substance, as in an argument or relationship.

Tenuity meaning with examples

• The spider's web was admired for its remarkable tenuity, as each strand appeared almost invisible in the morning light. The engineers designed a structure that had a maximum level of tenuity, allowing for extreme precision. The delicate balance of the ecosystem depended on maintaining the tenuity of the food chain.
• After the storm, the smoke from the wildfires showed the tenuity of the air, making it difficult to breathe. The historian commented on the tenuity of evidence supporting the conspiracy theory, remarking on its flimsy foundations. His argument was criticized for the tenuity of its reasoning; lacking any logical structure.
• The artist chose thin brushstrokes to convey the tenuity of the morning mist, creating a feeling of lightness. The tenuity of the fabric made it perfect for the summer dress. The tenuity of their friendship was revealed when a minor disagreement caused a total breakdown.
• The government tried to avoid any form of financial aid to maintain the tenuity of the market place to prevent failure. Because of the tenuity of the soil, they had to use special measures to avoid collapse. The detective marveled at the tenuity of the clues; it gave him barely anything to work with.
• The speaker's voice faded as a result of the tenuity of the air in the mountain. The detective remarked on the tenuity of the alibi and made a decision. The tenuity of the rope caused a collapse as it could not handle the pressure and gave out.