Definition
  1. The holding of an office or the period during which a person holds a particular office.

    synonyms:termduration
  2. A guarantee of permanent employment, especially as a professor.

    synonyms:permanenceappointment
Origin & Use

The word 'tenure' comes from the Latin 'tenere', meaning 'to hold', which reflects its meaning related to holding a position or property.


Primarily used in legal and academic contexts, the term 'tenure' is often encountered in discussions about job security for professors or the rights of property owners.


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While not used in everyday conversations, 'tenure' is common in educational and legal discussions.

Examples

After years of hard work, she finally achieved tenure at the university, securing her position as a professor.

The company offered a new policy that allowed employees to apply for tenure after five years of service.

His tenure as the mayor was marked by significant improvements in the city's infrastructure.

More Info

The word 'tenure' has an interesting background, rooted in the Latin verb 'tenere', which means 'to hold'. Over the centuries, it has evolved to refer not just to holding a position, but also to the security and stability that comes with it, especially in the realm of academia. While it may not be a daily conversation starter, understanding 'tenure' can open doors to discussions about job security and the intricacies of employment contracts. So next time you hear the term, remember its rich history and the sense of stability it brings to many careers!

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