“Tenet” Versus “Tenant”

Deana H. asked, “Have you ever addressed ‘tenet’ vs. ‘tenant’? I am seeing this usage mistake quite frequently these days.”

“Tenet” and “Tenant”: The Root

If you’re trying to remember the difference between “tenet” and “tenant,” knowing the Latin roots won’t help. Both words come from a root that means “to hold.” ^1,2 You can think of a tenet as a belief somebody holds and a tenant as someone who holds an apartment or house.

Other words that come from the “tenere” root include “tenacious” (to hold firm) and “tenure” (to hold a job). ^3,4

“Tenet” and “Tenant”: Quick and Dirty Tip

Remember that a person who lives in an apartment or house is spelled with an “ant”—tenant—by thinking that ants can also live in an apartment or house.

References

• 1． tenet. Merriam-Webster online.
  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenet (accessed February 4, 2012).
• 2． tenant. Merriam-Webster online.
  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenant (accessed February 4, 2012).
• 3． tenure. Merriam-Webster online.
  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenure (accessed February 4, 2012).
• 4． tenacious. Merriam-Webster online.
  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenacious (accessed February 4, 2012).

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