tentatively

[ten-tuh-tiv-lee]

adverb

1. as a trial, experiment, or attempt.

   Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for the 8th of June.

2. in a hesitant or uncertain manner.

   She spoke tentatively, but apparently thought better of it and stopped.

Other Word Forms

• nontentatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tentatively¹

tentative ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The Kings, meanwhile, rarely challenged Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood, playing tentatively and creating little offense, putting just nine shots on goal through the first 36 minutes.

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The case challenging Vera’s injunction will now head to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, with a hearing tentatively set for the middle of November.

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They had recently won full control of every statewide office and were tentatively flexing their newfound authority after decades on the sidelines.

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But the steady hand of the experienced and sensible Mark Robins, matched with recruitment that so far looks very solid on paper, has seen expectations tentatively rise.

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The government has tentatively embraced foreign labour by launching a digital nomad visa and upskilling initiatives, but immigration remains politically fraught in the largely conservative country.

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Related Words

• conditionally www.thesaurus.com
• provisionally www.thesaurus.com
• temporarily