First Known Use: 1626
Dictionary
tentative
adjective ten·ta·tive \ˈten-tə-tiv\
: not done with confidence : uncertain and hesitant
: not definite : still able to be changed
Full Definition of TENTATIVE
1
: not fully worked out or developed <tentative plans>
2
— tentative noun
— ten·ta·tive·ly adverb
— ten·ta·tive·ness noun
See tentative defined for English-language learners
See tentative defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of TENTATIVE
- In the winter, retirees from the Midwest fill the trailer parks. They are known with tentative affection as snowbirds. —William Langewiesche, Atlantic, June 1992
- Clearly the President was chastened by the sorrow and resentment of the people to whom he spoke, but his words were somehow tentative and contingent, as if they could be withdrawn on a month's notice. —Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, July 1992
- There was a crying need, in the tentative early days of populist toryism, for a voice that could bring the gospel to the lumpen. —Christopher Hitchens, Times Literary Supplement, 30 Nov. 1990
- Thus, we have a tentative picture of anatomically modern people arising in Africa over 100,000 years ago, but initially making the same tools as Neanderthals and having no advantage over them. By perhaps 60,000 years ago, some magic twist of behavior had been added to the modern anatomy. —Jared M. Diamond, Discover, May 1989
- [+]more
Origin of TENTATIVE
Medieval Latin tentativus, from Latin tentatus, past participle of tentare, temptare to feel, try
Related to TENTATIVE
- Synonyms
- conditional, contingent (on or upon), subject (to), dependent
- Antonyms
- independent, unconditional
TENTATIVE Defined for Kids
tentative
adjective ten·ta·tive \ˈten-tə-tiv\
Definition of TENTATIVE for Kids
1
: not final <tentative plans>
2
: showing caution or hesitation
— ten·ta·tive·ly adverb <Harriet walked toward her tentatively, as one would toward a mad dog … — Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy>
Learn More About TENTATIVE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tentative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).