Tentative

/ˈtɛntətɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a trial or experiment.

The research team conducted a tentative to assess the viability of the new hypothesis.

adjective

not certain or fixed; provisional.

The committee made a tentative decision to postpone the meeting.

done without confidence; hesitant.

She offered a tentative smile as she introduced herself to the group.

From Latin 'tentativus', from 'tentare' meaning 'to try'.

tentative agreement

An agreement that is subject to confirmation.

tentative steps

Cautious beginnings in a new area or activity.

tentative conclusion

A conclusion that is not yet firm or final.

tentatively

In a way that is not certain or fixed.

tentativeness

The quality of being uncertain or hesitant.

A tentative vibe

I'm getting a tentative vibe from that new guy.

Tentative plans

We made some tentative plans to hang out this weekend.