Tenacity

/təˈnæsɪti/ noun

Definition

The determination and persistence to hold onto something or keep trying even when things are difficult.

Etymology

From Latin 'tenacitas,' from 'tenax' (holding fast), from 'tenere' (to hold). First used in English in the 1500s to describe stubborn persistence.

Kelly Says

The root 'tenere' (to hold) shows up in tons of English words—tenant (one who holds a property), tenure (holding a position), tenet (a belief you hold)—so tenacity is literally about 'holding on' to your goals and dreams.

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