tentatively

American  

[ten-tuh-tiv-lee] / ˈtɛn tə tɪv li /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nontentatively
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of tentatively

tentative ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Tentatively means "hesitantly," like how you go about a delicate or dangerous situation. It also refers to uncertainty, like when you tentatively make plans to go to a party, even though you don't have a ride yet. It makes sense that the English adverb tentatively stems from the Latin tentare, "to feel, try," because to do something tentatively means to test it out. Think of how you slowly wade into a freezing cold pool. You’re moving tentatively, because you know it’s going to be a shock and you want to give your body time to adjust. The opposite of tentatively is certainly, a word that indicates no hesitation.

Example Sentences

Among them were 16 compounds tentatively classified as flavoalkaloids, a group that is rarely found in nature.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

Direct talks between Israel and Lebanese government officials are tentatively scheduled for next week, and are expected to be mediated by the U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

"Markets have tentatively repriced towards a slightly higher probability of de-escalation, but conviction remains low," said Pepperstone's Chris Weston.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The actor had been set to reprise her iconic role in the reboot, tentatively titled “Buffy: New Sunnydale,” which she had been developing along with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao for the Disney-owned streamer for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

A Latino family stepped tentatively out onto the balcony of another apartment building.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• conditionally
• provisionally
• temporarily