ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tenets

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈtɛnəts// UK //tˈɛnɪts// tenets

n. the main beliefs or rules of a group, religion, or philosophy. These are the core ideas that the members of the group agree are true.

n. the core principles or beliefs of a religion, philosophy, or political movement. Often used to describe the foundational doctrines that guide a system of thought.


SIMPLE

One of the main tenets of the group is honesty.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal system is built on several key tenets, including the idea that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

COMPLEX

The philosopher spent decades refining the central tenets of his ethical system, arguing that individual liberty must always be balanced against the collective good of the community.

Synonyms
Usage

Almost always used in the plural form ('tenets') to refer to a set of beliefs.

© 2026 English Reference