tentative

adjective
UK: /ˈtentətɪv/
US: /ˈtentətɪv/

  1. Not certain or fixed; provisional. Something arranged but may be changed later.

    1. We made tentative plans for the weekend, hoping for good weather.
    2. The meeting date is tentative and may be changed based on everyone's availability.

  2. Done without confidence; hesitant. Showing or feeling hesitancy.

    1. He gave a tentative smile, unsure of her reaction.
    2. The student's tentative answer revealed a lack of confidence in the subject matter.

Synonyms

provisional uncertain hesitant indefinite unsettled timid
tentative adverb

  1. In a tentative manner.

    1. She tentatively reached out to touch the fragile sculpture.
    2. He tentatively offered his opinion, afraid of being wrong in front of everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tentative" in English means: Not certain or fixed; provisional. Something arranged but may be changed later., Done without confidence; hesitant. Showing or feeling hesitancy..

The phonetic transcription of "tentative" is /ˈtentətɪv/ in British English and /ˈtentətɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tentative": provisional, uncertain, hesitant, indefinite, unsettled, timid.

Example usage of "tentative": "We made tentative plans for the weekend, hoping for good weather.". More examples on the page.