What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hesitantly
Example
She hesitantly raised her hand to ask a question. [hesitantly: adverb]
Example
He spoke hesitantly, unsure of how to express his thoughts. [hesitantly: adverb]
tentatively
Example
She tentatively stepped onto the ice, afraid of slipping. [tentatively: adverb]
Example
He agreed to the proposal tentatively, pending further discussion. [tentatively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hesitantly and tentatively are both less common words that may not be frequently used in everyday language. However, hesitantly may be slightly more common due to its association with speech and verbal communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hesitantly and tentatively?
Both hesitantly and tentatively are formal words that may be more appropriate in academic or professional contexts. However, tentatively may be slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
