the word 'tenable' originates from the french tenable, itself derived from the verb tenir ('to hold'), which traces back to the latin tenēre. the latin root tenēre is a prolific source in english, giving rise to words like 'tenant', 'tenure', and 'tenacious', all revolving around the core concept of holding. the suffix '-able', of latin origin, indicates capability. thus, the literal construction 'capable of being held' evolved logically into the modern abstract meanings of an idea that can be intellectually maintained or a position that can be legally or physically held for a duration.

Structure: ten (hold) + able (capable of) ten (from latin tenēre, meaning 'to hold'); able (from latin -ābilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, fit for')