tenacious
holding firmly or persistently
Roots
- -acious: trait-marking adjective ending
- ten / tain: hold or keep
Other words with the ten / tain root
- abstain: to hold back from doing or taking something
- contain: to hold inside
- content: satisfied; also something held inside
- contented: satisfied or at peace
- detain: to hold back
- discontent: dissatisfaction or unrest
- impertinent: rude or not properly relevant
- malcontent: dissatisfied person, often rebellious or resentful
Ten means hold and -acious gives the trait shape. Tenacious people hold on.
Her tenacious revision habit raised her score more than any shortcut.