tenet

Definition

An opinion, belief, or principle that is held as absolute truth by someone or especially an organization.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin tenet (“he, she, or it holds”), from teneō (“hold; have”). Compare obsolete tenent. See tenable.

Example Sentences

• "The Buddhist concept of tanha, for example — roughly translated as “blind demandingness” — encapsulates many tenets of R.E.B.T. and points the way toward emotional equanimity: stop asking more of the universe than it can possibly deliver."
• "Opposition to climate science has become not just the badge of honour for far-right politicians like Ukip’s Paul Nuttall. It has become the central tenet of their appeal to unreason."