tenait

/tə.nɛ/tenir
1.
verbInd3rdImperfectSing3

was holding (physically)

Il tenait son téléphone en marchant.

He was holding his phone while walking.

Synonyms:serrait, maintenait
2.
verbInd3rdImperfectSing3

cared about / was attached to (tenir à)

Elle tenait beaucoup à ce vieux pull.

She really cared about that old sweater.

Synonyms:appréciait, attachait de l'importance à
3.
verbInd3rdImperfectSing3

ran/owned (a shop, café, etc.)

Il tenait un petit café au coin de la rue.

He ran a small café on the corner.

Synonyms:gérer, posséder
4.
verbInd3rdImperfectSing3

was holding up / was withstanding (kept standing or intact)

Malgré la tempête, le mur tenait encore.

Despite the storm, the wall was still holding up.

Synonyms:résistait, tenait bon
tenait - French Definition & Examples