What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tentative
Example
The team has a tentative plan for the project, but it's still subject to change. [tentative: adjective]
Example
She made a tentative step towards the door, unsure if she should leave or stay. [tentative: adjective]
uncertain
Example
The future of the company is uncertain due to the economic downturn. [uncertain: adjective]
Example
He felt uncertain about his decision to quit his job without another one lined up. [uncertain: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uncertain is more commonly used than tentative in everyday language. Uncertain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tentative is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tentative and uncertain?
Tentative is typically associated with a formal or professional tone, while uncertain can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
