tentative

[ ten-tuh-tiv ]

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.

tentative

/ ˈtɛntətɪv /

adjective

1. provisional or experimental; conjectural
2. hesitant, uncertain, or cautious

Derived Forms

• ˈtentatively, adverb
• ˈtentativeness, noun

Other Words From

• ten·ta·tive·ly adverb
• ten·ta·tive·ness noun
• non·ten·ta·tive adjective
• non·ten·ta·tive·ness noun
• pre·ten·ta·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tentative¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of tentative¹

C16: from Medieval Latin tentātīvus, from Latin tentāre to test

Example Sentences

Many venues operate on a “challenge” system by which one studio can contest another’s tentative booking if they’re willing to commit immediately.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s these little details that elevate this gay, Sicily-set coming-of-age drama beyond its familiar story beats of tentative exploration, passionate but secret romance, and tragedy.

From New York Times

She had already made a few tentative returns, beginning with her first public appearance after her cancer diagnosis at the annual Trooping the Colour parade in June.

From BBC

The commentary on this action, even from some liberal outlets, was curiously tentative: that newspaper endorsements don’t really matter, anyway, and “We can’t know for certain what went into these decisions.”

From Salon

Developers have also struck a tentative deal with the owners of popular San Pedro Fish Market to forgo plans to build an expansive $140-million restaurant and entertainment complex nearby and instead remain at West Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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