What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haltingly
Example
He spoke haltingly, struggling to find the right words. [haltingly: adverb]
Example
The old man walked haltingly with a cane. [haltingly: adverb]
tentatively
Example
She tentatively suggested a new idea for the project. [tentatively: adverb]
Example
He reached out tentatively to touch the hot stove. [tentatively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tentatively is more commonly used than haltingly in everyday language. Tentatively is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while haltingly is less common and more specific to describing speech or movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haltingly and tentatively?
Both haltingly and tentatively are relatively formal words, but tentatively may be slightly more versatile and appropriate for a wider range of formality levels.
