What does a 'tenuto' marking above a note indicate?

A 'tenuto' marking above a note instructs the musician to hold the note for its full value, which means to sustain it for the entire duration that the note is written. This can create a sense of emphasis and allows the note to resonate fully within the context of the music.

By holding the note, it contrasts with other articulations like staccato, which require a more detached attack, and loud dynamics, which focus on volume rather than duration. The tenuto marking emphasizes the importance of the note in a phrase, often enhancing the musical expression.

In this context, it's clear that the other options do not align with the definition of tenuto. The marking does not imply staccato playing, does not indicate dynamics such as loudness, nor does it suggest repetition of the note. Instead, it reinforces the value and character of the note being performed.