Tentative Meaning in English
word
ˈtɛnətɪv/, /ˈtɛntətɪv
TEN-uh-tiv
tˈɛntətˌɪv
TEN-tuh-tiv
Definition
Not certain or fixed; made or done as a first step that might change later or done with hesitation.
Usage & Nuances
'Tentative' is often used in formal, written, or professional contexts. Common collocations: 'tentative plan', 'tentative date', 'tentative response'. It frequently suggests uncertainty or hesitation. Do not use for a person; use 'hesitant' instead.
Spanish: provisional - tentativoPortuguese (BR): provisório - temporário - experimentalPortuguese (PT): provisório - temporário - experimentalChinese (Simplified): 暂定的 - 试探性的Chinese (Traditional): 暫定的 - 試探性的Hindi: अस्थायी - अनिश्चितArabic: مؤقت - تجريبيBengali: অস্থায়ী - অনিশ্চিত - প্রাথমিকRussian: предварительный - ориентировочный - неуверенныйJapanese: 仮の - 暫定的な - 手探りのVietnamese: tạm thời - dự kiến - thử nghiệmKorean: 임시의 - 잠정적인 - 미정의Turkish: geçici - kesin olmayan - deneme amaçlıUrdu: عارضی - غیر یقینی - ابتدائیIndonesian: sementara - tentatif - ragu-ragu
Example Sentences
We made a tentative plan for Saturday.
basic
The meeting is at a tentative date next week.
basic
She gave a tentative answer to the question.
basic
Let's set a tentative time and adjust it if needed.
natural
His voice sounded tentative when he agreed to help.
natural
This schedule is tentative—we can confirm once everyone replies.
natural