tentative Definition
- 1not certain or fixed; provisional
- 2done without confidence; hesitant
Using tentative: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tentative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
They made a tentative agreement to meet again next week.
Example
The company has announced tentative plans to expand overseas.
Example
She took a tentative step forward, unsure of her footing.
Example
He spoke in a tentative voice, as if unsure of what to say.
tentative Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for tentative
Phrases with tentative
Example
She gave him a tentative smile, not sure how he would react.
Example
Their tentative plan is to travel to Europe next summer, but they haven't booked anything yet.
slow and uncertain steps taken with caution, often due to fear or lack of confidence
Example
The child took tentative steps towards the edge of the pool, afraid of falling in.
Origins of tentative
from Latin 'tentare', meaning 'to try'
Summary: tentative in Brief
The term 'tentative' [ˈtɛntətɪv] refers to something that is not certain or fixed, often provisional or subject to change. It can also describe actions done without confidence or hesitation, exemplified by 'She took a tentative step forward.' 'Tentative' extends into phrases like 'tentative smile,' and 'tentative plan,' denoting uncertainty or hesitancy.