3

I'm looking for a word that I thought was "tenants to an argument", but when I search for the definition of "tenant" or "tenants arguments" I get links to landlords and disputes.

Question

What is the correct word I'm looking for that describes the units of persuasion that consists of a counterpoint in a persuasive discussion?

Context

Morally, intellectually, and economically, I want people who make less than $250,000 (+/- 100 thousand) to be taxed less than those who make more than $250K. Good for him for being taxed in whatever angle you slice it. Hillary didn't pay enough.

My rationale is based in macro economics and not arbitrary spite, misinformation, or not liking how someone wags their finger. USA is totally f***, due to the distribution of wealth and propaganda through consolidation of media. Democracy is over. Trickle down failed. We're an oligarchy of the rich. For better or worse, I believe Sanders is our last chance at reclaiming one person one vote. All arguments, and persuasions I have start from this tenant. If we can't find common ground w/each other on this issue, there is no reason to discuss further.

Improve this question
9
  • 11
    You're probably looking for tenet
    – Jacinto
    Apr 19, 2016 at 18:08
  • 2
    @Jacinto: You're probably looking for the answer section ;) Oh, you found it. Me confused!
    – Lightness Races in Orbit
    Apr 19, 2016 at 20:57
  • @LightnessRacesinOrbit I did find it, eventually. We cannot see it now, but there was an early version of the question that lacked the Context section. That's the one I commented on.
    – Jacinto
    Apr 19, 2016 at 21:03
  • 1
    It doesn't work real great in this case, but note that if you have a word that you're not sure how to spell (or you think you might be finding the wrong word when you try to spell it), you can type a slight misspelling into Google and look at the suggestions it prompts with. Often it will suggest the word you're looking for.
    – Hot Licks
    Apr 19, 2016 at 22:53
  • 1
    @stevesliva, a premise is a proposition that has a true or false value. "One person one vote" here expresses an "ought". It is a principle, not a proposition. Tenet works well.
    – dangph
    Apr 20, 2016 at 6:52

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
20

You are looking for tenet (Oxford Learner’s Dictionary):

one of the principles or beliefs that a theory or larger set of beliefs is based on

● one of the basic/central tenets of Christianity

Improve this answer
1
  • It seems to me, having watched hundreds of YouTube talking-head videos over the last eight years or so, that all Americans, no matter how highly educated they are, pronounce "tenet" with an extra -n- before the final -t. In other words, they pronounce it like "tenant", which is a completely different word. I have never met this mis-pronunciation in the UK.
    – Stephen F
    Feb 3 at 20:40

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.