ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tenure

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈtɛnjɝ// UK //tˈɛnjɐ// ten·ure

n. the period of time someone holds an important job or position. It also refers to a special status for teachers or professors that protects them from being fired.

n. the period of time during which an office or position is held; also, a status of permanent employment granted to teachers and professors to protect academic freedom.


SIMPLE

During his tenure as president, the company grew significantly.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of research and publishing, the professor was finally granted tenure by the university board.

COMPLEX

The prime minister's decade-long tenure was marked by significant economic reform and a shift in foreign policy that redefined the nation's global standing.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English tenure, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French tenure, from Vulgar Latin tenitura, from tenitus, from Latin tentus (from teneō) + -ura.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' when referring to the duration of a role, or as a standalone status in academic contexts.

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