tenacious
/tɪˈneɪʃəs
/adjective
1Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely: a tenacious grip...
- They brushed at tenacious bits of clinging greenery.
- I think that Africa will always hold a tenacious grip on me, and I do feel sad to be leaving my friends.
- Popular culture has a tenacious grip on most kids, parents, and even us teachers.
Synonyms
firm, tight, fast, clinging;
strong, forceful, powerful, unshakeable, immovable, iron
sticky, adhesive, clinging, gluey, gummy, glutinous, viscid, viscous, mucilaginous;
British claggy;
Scottish & Northern English clarty
1.1Not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined: this tenacious defence of local liberties you’re tenacious and you get at the truth...
- He is a brilliant commentator and tenacious advocate of his position.
- I was just tenacious and determined and ran all day.
- They seem tenacious in their determination to get at the truth.
Synonyms
retentive, good;
photographic
1.2Persisting in existence; not easily dispelled: a tenacious local legend...
- His rosy view has proved remarkably tenacious.
- These hardy and tenacious insects have lived on the planet for 400 million years.
- The tribal loyalties of some hostel residents have proved tenacious.
Synonyms
persevering, persistent, pertinacious, determined, dogged, single-minded, strong-willed, tireless, indefatigable, resolute, patient, purposeful, diligent, assiduous, sedulous, unflagging, staunch, steadfast, untiring, unwavering, unswerving, unshakeable, unyielding, uncompromising, insistent, importunate, relentless, unrelenting, inexorable, implacable;
stubborn, intransigent, obstinate, obdurate, stiff-necked;
North American rock-ribbed
Derivatives
tenaciousness
- His determination, tenaciousness and commitment to the game makes him one of our truly great players.
- Much of this stubborn tenaciousness was inherited from his devoted mother.
- One never feels that he is wholly approving of the growing tenaciousness of William and Emily's relationship.
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin tenax, tenac- (from tenere 'to hold') + -ious.