This is the 12722nd most frequent Portuguese word.
tênue
"Tênue" means "thin, faint, delicate, or subtle."
In this sentence, "tênue" is used as an adjective describing the light coming from the candle, implying it is faint or weak.
A luz da vela era tênue, mal iluminando o ambiente.
The candlelight was faint, barely lighting the surroundings.
Here, "tênue" acts as an adjective qualifying the 'line', indicating subtlety or delicateness of distinction.
Há uma linha tênue entre a coragem e a imprudência.
There is a fine line between courage and recklessness.
"Tênue" is used to characterize the stroke as subtle or lightly visible, emphasizing its tenuous nature.