adjective

tentative

/ˈtɛntətɪv/ · say it: TEN·tuh·tiv

not certain or fixed; provisional

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) not definite or certain; likely to change

2. (adjective) done without confidence; hesitant

Examples

1. We made a tentative plan to meet next week, but we might change the date.
2. She gave a tentative smile, unsure if her joke was funny.

How to use tentative

Tentative describes something not yet finalized or something done with uncertainty or lack of confidence. It applies both to situations subject to change (tentative schedule) and to cautious, hesitant actions or expressions (tentative approach). It is more formal and measured than 'uncertain' and carries less severity than 'doubtful.'

Common phrases

tentative agreement
tentative plans
tentative steps
tentative conclusion
tentative smile

Synonyms

provisional · uncertain · preliminary · hesitant · experimental

Opposites

definite · confirmed · decisive

Word family

tentatively (adverb) · tentativeness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use tentative to mean 'temporary' without the sense of uncertainty; tentative implies lack of certainty or confidence, not merely short duration.

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