Tenure

Definition

Tenure refers to the act, right, manner, or term of holding something such as an office, area of land, or an employment position, especially one with rights to ownership or long-term employment within an academic institution.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛn.jʊr/
• Respelling: TEN-yur (with "TEN" as in "ten" and "yur" as in "fur")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛn.jə/
• Respelling: TEN-yuh (with "TEN" as in "ten" and "yuh" as a softer version of "yur")

In both dialects, "tenure" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TEN." The difference lies in the pronunciation of the final syllable: in American English, it's "yur," sounding similar to "fur," while in British English, it's "yuh," which is a softer and less pronounced version.

Etymology

The term "tenure" stems from the Middle English word "tenure," from Anglo-French, which originates from the Latin word "tenēre," meaning to hold.

Derivatives

• Tenured (adjective)
• Tenureship (noun)
• Nontenured (adjective)
• Tenurial (adjective)
• Pretenure (adjective)

Synonyms

• Incumbency
• Occupancy
• Term

Antonyms

• Dispossession
• Unemployment
• Eviction

Usage

"Tenure" is most commonly used in the context of academic or official positions, indicating a sense of permanency or long-term holding of a position.

Related Terms

• Tenure track
• Land tenure
• Security of tenure

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Employment Status: The status of holding one's position on a permanent basis, especially for teachers or professors at academic institutions.
• Example: After many years of diligent work, Professor Smith finally achieved tenure at the university.

• Land Ownership: The holding or possessing of anything, particularly land or real estate, for a fixed period as defined by a lease or other contractual agreement.
• Example: The tenure of agricultural land is often governed by specific local laws and traditions.

• Period of Office: The term during which some position is held.
• Example: During his tenure as CEO, the company saw an unprecedented rise in profits.