tentative

American  

[ten-tuh-tiv] / ˈtɛn tə tɪv /

adjective

1. of the nature of or made or done as a trial, experiment, or attempt; experimental.

   a tentative report on her findings.

2. unsure; uncertain; not definite or positive; hesitant.

   a tentative smile on his face.

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tentative British  

/ ˈtɛntətɪv /

adjective

1. provisional or experimental; conjectural

2. hesitant, uncertain, or cautious

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Other Word Forms

• nontentative adjective
• nontentativeness noun
• pretentative adjective
• tentatively adverb
• tentativeness noun

Etymology

Origin of tentative

First recorded in 1580–90; from Medieval Latin tentātīvus, equivalent to Latin tentāt(us) (past participle of tentāre, variant of temptāre “to test”; tempt ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

Four days later, the Justice Department and Live Nation announced a tentative agreement that would allow the company to avoid a breakup.

From The Wall Street Journal

But this week, when they finally struck a tentative deal, it did more than avoid the embarrassment of a work stoppage.

From The Wall Street Journal

SYDNEY—New Zealand’s economic recovery remained frustratingly tentative in the fourth quarter of last year, with economists warning that the outlook faces fresh threats as the war in the Middle East destabilizes the world economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was the same story: the same tight-clutched possessions, the same fearful glance and tentative tread.

From Literature

County judge, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because California court regulations largely bar judges from speaking with the media, echoed Hochman’s concern that an AI-generated tentative ruling could create bias.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cautious
• hesitant
• reluctant
• timid
• unsure
• wobbly