# tenet

/ˈtɛnət/ (US) · /tˈɛnɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tenet
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a basic belief or principle that a person or group holds to be true. It is a core idea that does not change, even when other things around it do.

For teachers: a fundamental principle or belief held by a person, group, or organization. Often used in the plural to describe the core doctrines of a philosophy or religion.

## Examples

- One of the main tenets of the new law is fairness.
- The company's core tenets include environmental responsibility and the ethical treatment of all employees.
- While the specific applications of the theory have evolved over time, its foundational tenets regarding human nature remain largely unchanged since its inception in the nineteenth century.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.