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tentative
/ˈtɛn.tə.tɪv/
uncertain or provisional
We made a tentative plan to meet next week, but it might change.
The plan is not yet final and could be adjusted later.
formal
Not definite or certain; provisional.
The committee gave tentative approval for the project, pending further review.
Approval was given with the condition that additional checks are completed.
She has tentative plans for the weekend, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Her plans are flexible and may change depending on circumstances.
Often used to describe agreements, schedules, or decisions that are not yet finalized.
Collocations
tentative agreementan agreement that is not yet legally bindingtentative plansplans that are subject to changetentative schedulea provisional timetable
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'tentative'
While 'tentative' is useful for formal contexts, it can sound overly cautious in casual conversation. Prefer simpler terms like 'maybe' or 'not sure' when speaking informally.
Gold Rule
Use 'tentative' for provisional actions, not feelings
Correct: 'We have tentative plans for the trip.' Incorrect: 'I feel tentative about the trip.' Use 'unsure' or 'hesitant' for feelings.
Word Origin
From Latin *tentativus*, meaning 'trying, testing,' derived from *tentare* ('to try, attempt'). Entered English in the 16th century with the sense of 'experimental' or 'provisional.'
Usage Notes
Common in formal contexts such as business, law, and planning. Avoid using it to describe emotions or physical states; it strictly refers to actions, agreements, or decisions.
Word Breakdown
tent
from Latin *tentare* ('to try'), implying an attempt or trial
root-ative
forms adjectives indicating a tendency or quality
suffixEnglish Dictionary